1M'SIA CORE TO NATION BUILDING AND MODERN ECONOMY - PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The 1Malaysia concept is an integral part
of cementing the nation-building process as well as building value for a modern
economy, said Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak.

He said for the nation to move forward and meet challenges, it needed to
have a strong core and foundation, that could only be achieved if there was
national unity, which would provide the country with the essential bedrock of
stability.

"National unity is a value system, a thought process which has to be
articulated because everyone has different notions of what national unity means.

"So when we talk about 1Malaysia we expound the fundamental values
associated with national unity, so people understand what this process of being
one means," he said in an interview with Oxford Business Group (OGB), the
publisher of The Report: Malaysia 2010.

The book launched today by the Prime Minister offered insights into
business, trade and investment opportunities in Malaysia.


It also highlighted the government's plans and policies including the
recently launched New Economic Model (NEM) as well as the 10th Malaysia Plan, in
its efforts to transform the country into a high income economy by 2020.

In the interview, Najib also pointed out that every Malaysian should
play his or her part in contributing to nation-building efforts in order for the
country to be globally competitive.

"These talents are valuable assets for us. That is why it is important for
us to have this sense that every single Malaysian is important and that we have
a system in this country that allows every Malaysian to realise his or her
maximum potential," he said.

-- BERNAMA