MALAYSIA CONCEPT DIFFERENT FROM ASSIMILATION - M'SIAN PM NAJIB

KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 (Bernama) -- The 1Malaysia concept that emphasises on
the spirit of unity is different from that of assimilation practiced in other
countries where the ethnic identity is replaced with one national identity, said
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

He said that the approach of the 1Malaysia concept took into account the
spirit enshrined in the Federal Constitution and the principles of Rukun Negara
(Principles of Nationhood).

"1Malaysia appreciates and respect the ethnic identity of all communities
and regard it an asset or advantage to be proud of," he said when responding to
a question from Independent MP Wee Choo Keong in parliament Tuesday.

Wee asked Najib to define the 1Malaysia policy as the community continued to
be regarded as Bumiputera (sons of the soil) and non-Bumiputera, and how the New
Economic Model (NEM) could restructure the society to be just and fair.

Najib said there was no conflicts in the classification of Bumiputera and
non-Bumiputera as it was part of the Federal Constitution.

"What is important is the unity under the 1Malaysia concept is supported by
core thrusts, that is acceptance and national principles, namely the
Constitution and Rukun Negara, and social justice which would ensure that the
future of all are being championed and rest assured," he said.

On the NEM, he said all affirmative measures to reduce income disparity
among the people would be implemented in a transparent manner by plugging
leakages.

"The three principles of the NEM are clear; high income, sustainability and
inclusiveness. These principles will drive the economic development of the
country in the march to become a developed country.

"Under the NEM, the need to restructure the Malaysian society continues
to exist with the current situation where the great income disparity between the
lowest 40 per cent and the highest 20 per cent of the society," he said.

He said among affirmative measures implemented to enable the lower income
group to contribute actively and productively to the economy was by building
their capacity through training programmes.

In addition, he said they should be given the opportunity to improve their
education, access to expertise (advisory services) and technology to conduct
business and to obtain financing for small and medium enterprises.

"With capacity building and skills enhancement through these programmes, the
lowest 40 per cent can compete in the economic sector more effectively while the
people irrespective of their race can participate in the economic sector solely
on the basis of competitiveness," he said.

To a question from the ruling party Barisan Nasional MP Ismail Kasim, Najib
said to enhance the understanding of the 1Malaysia concept and the NEM, firstly,
what was meant by 1Malaysia and the NEM must be explained to the grassroots.

"Secondly, our credibility in terms of its implementation, we create a
special mechanism like the 10th Malaysia Plan so that its implementation will
run smoothly," he added.
-- BERNAMA