NEM AN EFFORT BY PM TO HELP THE NEEDY AND POOR - MINISTER

CYBERJAYA, March 30 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun
Razak's much-awaited New Economic Model (NEM) Tuesday is an effort to help the
poor and needy said Information Communication and Culture Minister Dr
Rais Yatim.

Rais said the launching of NEM was a breakthrough under Najib's
administration and aimed at transforming the economy and income of the people.

"In other words, NEM will help a target group (poor) to elevate their income
by generating various economic initiatives and activities," he told reporters
after launching the National Spectrum Consultative Committee at the Malaysian
Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) here Tuesday.

The Prime Minister Tuesday unveiled the NEM which will transform the nation
into a high-income economy that is sustainable and inclusive and will position
the nation on the right path towards attaining developed nation status by 2020.

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister said the NEM would make Malaysia
more competitive regionally and globally with benefits accruing to all
Malaysians, with their per capita income increasing to US$15,000 by the end of
the decade from US$7,000 currently.


Rais said the NEM was an extension of the New Economic Policy and Broadband
facilities through modern communication facilities like the internet was also
included.

As such, the ministry and all agencies under the ministry must act swiftly
to demonstrate the necessary commitment and ensure that objective can be
achieved.

"The new model hinges largely on global communication and the market must be
transformed through the effort of everyone to stimulate the economy," he said.

-- BERNAMA