'GOVT KNOWS BEST' ERA IS OVER, SAYS M'SIAN PM NAJIB

PUTRAJAYA, April 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak
said that the era where the government imposed excessive controls and adopted
the attitude of 'government knows best' is over.

He said the aspiration of turning Malaysia into a peaceful and prosperous
country could be achieved when the government and the people worked together to
meet this objective.

"The fact is that we are still facing numerous obstacles. But I believe that
there is no problem in the country that cannot be tackled with the capability,
skills and talents possessed by the people," he said before announcing his new
Cabinet line-up, here Thursday.

Najib also asked the people, especially the young generation, to take up his
challenge that they teamed up with the government to bring about transformation.

"Efforts at transforming the nation must start with transforming the
government, a new Cabinet with new responsibilities and a new structure," he
said.

As such, he wanted to ensure that the government structure that was formed
would fulfil the needs of the people as much as possible, in line with the
challenging time.

Najib said the message that he received from the people was that they wanted
a government that was responsive to the needs of the people and at the same time
be ready to serve the future generation.

"What is important with regard to the new cabinet is the principle shared
together through integrity and high standards to gain public confidence.

"I'm confident that to steer the country towards excellence, this is the
line-up and team that we hope will reflect the strength and Malaysia's plural
outlook through the National Front (Barisan Nasional-BN) which represents all
the people from every part of the country...One Malaysia," he said.

In addition, he said, to ensure that the most important asset of the
country, that is, the human capital is utilised to the optimum, the Deputy Prime
Minister had been entrusted to lead a team that would focus on efforts to
develop the potentials and project the talents available in the country.

Najib also pledged to provide good service to the people by empowering the
national education, developing a united community, eradicating poverty and
raising real income, that would benefit the whole population in the national
political process and widen national discourse.

He also decided to abolish two ministries by transferring their tasks to the
other existing ministries.

He said a ministry known as the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and
Water had been set up with the mandate to develop the concept of sustainable
development and the practice of green technology.

In line with the concept of 'One Malaysia; People First; Performance Now', a
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department would also be tasked with the
management of performance and at the same time practice the creative approach
towards developing national unity.

Najib also reminded the civil servants who were providing excellent service
that their contribution was highly appreciated and most important for the long
term prosperity of the country.

"So, we call on all of you to be with us, complement our commitment to serve
and give your best to the people," he said.

Also present at the function were Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin
Yassin and Chief Secretary to the Government Mohd Sidek Hassan.

-- BERNAMA