Comprehensive transformation needed to make Malaysia a high income nation – Najib
By Bernama
KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia needs to make a comprehensive transformation to enable the country to be among high income nations by 2020, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He said to realise the objective, a new approach had been mapped out to produce a high-performing society based on the 1Malaysia concept but without sidelining the founding principles of the nation, including the Consitution and the Rukun Negara (National Philosophy).
“To achieve high growth, more progressive polices have been formulated towards meeting the needs of the times.
“Among them is the liberalisation of 27 economic sub-sectors, coming up with the New Ecomic Model (NEM) which stresses on innovation and creativity, enhancing public-private sector cooperation, appreciating talent and human capital potential, and moulding new mindsets in line with the government’s transformation plan (GTP),” he said when opening the 53rd National Quran Reciters Assembly here tonight.
Najib said the tabling of the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) involving a budget of RM230 billion recently followed the 1Malaysia concept and was formulated based on the GTP and NEM and centred on six National Key Result Areas (NKRAs).
“Combinations among these strategies are the best recipe in driving forward the country to have a high income economy that is sustainable and inclusive,” he said.
Besides this, Najib said the 1Malaysia concept which also emphasised social justice was based on the requirements of the Quran which called for solidarity among the people and transcending tolerance to acceptance of various ethnicities and religions.
Therefore, he said, it was very clear this approach was important to maintan social and political stability so that Malaysia continued to remain relavant as an attractive business and investment destination.
“The results of this transformation plan has made Malaysia more respected as a progressive Islamic nation.
“This recognition must defended, and because of this Malaysia will give no quarter to anyone who tries to disrupt the country’s stability, including militant groups, human traffickers and smugglers.
“Though we might not be able to eradicate these threats completely, at least Malaysia has shown its capability to control these ills from becoming a cancer or disastrous,” he said.
Najib also said each an every Malaysian Muslim must adopt a progressive attitude towards realising the transformation goals.
Personal transformation, he said, was necessary in producing individuals who opposed any form of injustice.
“Towards producing a Muslim society that is progressive, we have to make efforts to redevelop Islamic thinking that is more dynamic and suited to social realities but still with Islam as the central pillar in all aspects, be it
economy, politics or culture,” he said.
He called on Islamic intellectuals to take the lead in this.
