1MALAYSIA" MAKING WAVES BEYOND M'SIA'S SHORES

From Jackson Sawatan

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 30 (Bernama) -- The "1Malaysia" concept mooted by
Prime Minister Najib Razak is making waves beyond Malaysia's
shores.

The prime minister said that during his two-day visit to this sultanate, the
leaders here had been asking about the concept which is an integral part of his
administration's slogan, "1Malaysia. People First. Performance Now."

He told the Malaysian community here over breakfast today that he was proud
that Brunei leaders had been following the development in Malaysia closely.

"I was also touched when they mentioned the various developments in Malaysia
and by the fact that they know and even memorise my slogan. They said that the
slogan is apt and a reflection of the way forward for Malaysia in our efforts to
strengthen the country in terms of ethnic relations.

"If we are able to show our internal strength, then Malaysia's potentials as
a nation is very big indeed," he said.

He also told the Malaysian community that he would discharge his duties to
the best of his ability and be a leader who is close to the people.

He said his four-eye meeting with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan
Hassanal Bolkiah, which was initially scheduled for about 30 minutes but lasted
more than an hour Wednesday night, was warm and cordial.

"It is my intention, as the head of the government, to continue the work of
my predecessor (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) and find ways to further
enhance our ties through specific cooperation.

He also said that it was important for Asean countries to maintain good
relations because only by doing so could the grouping show that the region was
peaceful and prosperous.

"It is my hope, therefore, that the peoples of Malaysia and Brunei can
translate the signal from the cordial government-to-government ties to carry out
whatever joint efforts," he said.

The prime minister also called on Malaysians living here to safeguard their
country's good name and not create problems.

"Do your best, perform your duties well...God willing, the people here
will
appreciate your roles," he said.

Present were Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim,
Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, Sabah
Chief Minister Musa Aman and Deputy Foreign Minister A. Kohilan
Pillay.

Najib and his wife, Rosmah Mansor, later left for Kuching, capital city of
Sarawak state in East Malaysia , to pay their last respects to the wife of
Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud, Laila Taib, who died of cancer
Wednesday.

-- BERNAMA