POSITIVE MOMENTUM DUE TO CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT -MALAYSIAN PM

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said
the positive momentum in Malaysia's economy lately reflects a growing
confidence in the government among the people and international community.

He said several economic indicators including Bursa Malaysia (Malaysia
Exchange) reaching an all-time high recently, the strengthening of the ringgit
and the increase in the country's overall competitiveness, was a reflection of
an all-round confidence in the government's plans and policies.

These positive developments would spur the economy to grow at least by seven
per cent this year, he said.

"This is a testimony of our success in creating a positive momentum in the
country," he said.

He was speaking at a video conference with members of the Malaysian
community and students in six countries -- Japan, China, Russia, Ukraine, France
and Ireland -- in conjunction with Aidiladha, at the prime minister's official
residence Seri Perdana, here.

Present were his wife Rosmah Mansor and Higher Education Minister
Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

Najib said the show of confidence was crucial, saying, "this (confidence)
does not come as a given in a highly critical market environment."

He also called on Malaysian students abroad to not only strive to gain
academic knowledge but also equip themselves with skills and uphold noble
values.

"Our competitiveness hinges on the quality of our human capital. There are
no other resources as important as human capital in our quest to remain
competitive," he said.

The country's human capital, he said, must possess skills, good work ethics
and command of language and able to communicate effectively.

"These are among the things that should be given attention because you are
communicating with the global community. These will be the skills which you will
find very useful in the future," he said.

He also said that Malaysian students abroad were a special lot because they
had the opportunities to gain knowledge which they could bring back to help
develop the country.

Meanwhile, Rosmah said Malaysian students abroad should return to serve the
people and country upon graduation.

"Don't forget to come home; the government is waiting. Bring home the best
degrees," she said.

-- BERNAMA