IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND CONCEPT OF 1MALAYSIA, SAYS MINISTER

MELBOURNE, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa
Mohamed Saturday explained to Malaysian students here, the objectives of
1Malaysia and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

Speaking at a seminar organised by the Umno ClubAustralia Melbourne (KUAM) at
his alma mater, University of Melbourne, he said 1Malaysia was "a principle
which is enshrined in the constitution of Malaysia.

"Umno or United Malays National Organisation is Malaysia's largest political
party and a founding member of the ruling Barisan Nasional (National Front)
coalition.

1Malaysia was championed from the time of Malaysia's first prime minister Tengku
Abdul Rahman who wanted all races to work together and respect one another, he
added.

Mustapa elaborated on the multi-dimensional aspect of 1Malaysia, noting that to
achieve 1Malaysia, Malaysians must first understand the concept.

"There are many dimensions of 1Malaysia, one of which is to bring about greater
integration between the various parts of the country.

"Another dimension would involve bringing the rural and urban parts of Malaysia
closer to each other. (Yet) Another, would be reducing the income gap between
the rich and the poor. Another would be providing better facilities to those in
rural areas," he said.

Mustapa said the government would unveil "a detailed economic programme of
action to transform Malaysia to be a fully developed country" during the
official launch of the ETP on Oct 26.

The detailed economic programme of action will include "12 areas" identified by
both the private sector and the government. Mustapa, however, did not elaborate
on the nature of the 12 areas.

Later, fielding questions from seminar participants, Mustapa spoke about a
number of government initiatives and policies.

On government tenders and open competition, Mustapa said that "the policy of the
current government is to encourage open competition."

"If someone were to get a tender through direct negotiation, that's
perceived to be unfair. I mean that is unfair."

Mustapa said only high-security projects involving the military and defence were
exempted from open tender.

He said "open tender means more competition, greater transparency, no
corruption. And that's what the public wants. And we are listening to the
public."

The government is setting up a website to publish information on government
tenders, including the names of tender winners.

Since 2007, KUAM has been organising human development seminars, bringing in
prominent Malaysian figures, including former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad
in 2008, to discuss Malaysian issues.

Dr Mahathir, 85, was scheduled to address the seminar again this year, but was
indisposed Saturday, and requested Mustapa, who was in Melbourne after attending
the Forbes Global CEOs Conference in Sydney, to address the seminar on his
behalf.
-- BERNAMA