MALAYSIAN PM 'S ECONOMIC AND UNITY MEASURES LAUDED BY FOREIGN ENVOYS

By R. Ravichandran

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Najib Tun Razak's handling of
the economy, his efforts to transform the government's delivery and fostering
unity in his first year in office, have caught the eye of the foreign diplomatic
corps.

Several envoys commended his 1Malaysian concept and his style of being
easily approachable. They are looking forward to fostering closer ties between
their countries and Malaysia.

One of the envoys quipped that the Malaysian prime minister was fast and
good in his answers.

United States Embassy Charge d'Affaires here, Robert G. Rapson, in extending
his congratulations to Najib, said Washington and Kuala Lumpur enjoyed a
productive and cooperative relationship, based on enduring shared national
interests.

"The United States looks forward to continued good relations with Malaysia's
leadership and with the people of Malaysia, as we work together to realise the
full potential of our bilateral ties," he said in an e-mailed statement to
Bernama.

Nigerian High Commissioner Peter J. E. Anegbeh said Najib was
working tirelessly in forging stronger unity among the various races, adding
that his handling of religious issues was encouraging.

His initiatives to liberalise the economy reflected another achievement
in making the Malaysian economy more competitive, he said.

"He is a leader accessible to every Malaysian. His open house is well
attended by various walks of Malaysians. He spends time and talks to the people.
I think every Malaysian should be proud of him," added Anegbeh.

Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia Carlos A. Amores is impressed with Najib's
1Malaysia concept and his drive to turn Malaysia into a high-income economy.

"Malaysia and Cuba are very close friends, and we feel our friend's success
like our own. We wish him and his government success," he said.

Palestinian Ambassador to Malaysia Abd Elaziz Abu Ghoush said that Najib's
policies emphasised economic development and stronger unity among the people.

Malaysia had also continued to be vocal on various international issues,
including the Palestinian issue, through foras such as the United Nations, the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), and
also Asean, he said.

"We are highly appreciative of his firm support for the just cause of the
Palestinian peoples' struggle," the envoy added.

Argentinian Ambassador Maria Isabel Rendon said she was under the impression
that Najib was taking a strong leadership to make Malaysia a better place for
its people.

"His actions make a positive impression of a very concerned government
trying and exploring new things to improve the quality and standards of all
Malaysians. I think the leadership is there, he is trying hard," she said.

Romanian Ambassador Petru Petra said that although one year was not very
long, Najib was extremely active and efficient in bringing changes to
the lives of Malaysians and the country as a whole, describing the 1Malaysia
concept as "a very well-timed decision."

"I am lucky to be in Malaysia during this time because the new prime
minister proved to be a real leader. His economic measures, we all appreciate,"
he said.

"The 1Malaysia concept...a very generous concept to improve the life of the
people...he has respect for all races and religions. The 1Malaysia concept is a
very well-timed decision," he said.

Acting Pakistani High Commissioner Dr Imtiaz A. Kazi noted that the
Malaysian economy was poised to grow substantially this year.

"The visionary leadership of the prime minister has brought Malaysians out
of the recession in no time, due to timely and effective introduction of
stimulus packages," he said.

He said Najib's 1Malaysia concept of "People First, Performance Now" and the
government transformation programme were commendable and worth emulating.

Croatian Ambassador Zeljko Bosnjak has met Najib on several occasions and
found him very approachable and patient.

"He is kind, too. His speeches are very good and he has fast and very good
answers," he said.

-- BERNAMA



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