PM HOPES FOR MORE PROPSPEROUS 2009

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi hopes
that the new year will be more prosperous for the country and the people.

Abdullah and wife Jeanne Abdullah were joining tens of thousands of
Malaysians at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) here to usher the New Year
2009, when he called on the people to spend wisely and have the will power and
patience to be more successful in the future.

"It is hoped that the year 2009 will be better for us. We must be cautious
and prudent. We must have the strength and patience to progress further," he
said.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at the historical site in a multitude
of colours and grandeur, albeit a scaled down celebration.

Revellers started to pack the historical site as early as 7 pm to witness
the countdown, the 10-minute fireworks display that lit the Kuala Lumpur sky as
the clock struck midnight.

They were also entertained to colourful music and dances by various popular
local artistes.
-- BERNAMA
RT