PM RESPONDS TO CHALLENGE OF STEERING NATION TOWARDS EXCELLENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Although it has only been 100 days since
he became Malaysia's sixth Prime Minister, Najib Razak has had to face three
main challenges - the economy, unity and political stability - which if
addressed poorly will hinder the country from achieving its vision.

Nevertheless, Najib, who inherited the qualities of his late father Tun
Abdul Razak Hussein; sincere, hard working and far-sighted; would be able to
weather the challenges if he received the full backing of his friends in United
Malays National Organisation (Umno) and the component parties of ruling Barisan
Nasional, said academicians.

They said Najib had the wisdom and integrity to bring about bigger and more
significant changes towards the development and prosperity of the nation and its
citizens.

His altruism and strong determination to unite the people and put them first
had also convinced those in and outside the country that his leadership could
bring Malaysia's development to a new level of excellence and glory.

Political analyst Dr Sivamurugan Pandiah thought that Najib had acted fast
to identify the challenges and in a short time had introduced various mechanisms
and developments to address it, thus driving Malaysia towards a balanced level
of progress and development to benefit all Malaysians.

Sivamurugan when contacted by Bernama said that from the economic
perspective, the stimulus package and the mechanisms introduced by Najib to
increase foreign investment could give multiple benefits to the people if its
implementation proceeded smoothly.

Besides economic challenges, Malaysia's main strength lies in the unity of
its multi-ethnic people and the 1Malaysia concept introduced by Najib
complemented the nation's vision and agenda.

"With only 11 years left to achieve Vision 2020, it would be difficult for
him to lead the country without strength of unity and the 1Malaysia concept
enhances inter-racial relations, which for so long had endured numerous trials
and obstacles," said Sivamurugan, who is also a senior lecturer at Universiti
Sains Malaysia (USM), in northern state of Penang.

The country's slight political unrest could also impede economic restoration
and inter-racial unity efforts and because of that, Najib has to work hard to
stabilise the situation, he said.

"Whether the unrest is in the ruling or opposition party, it will affect the
government's effort to accelerate economic growth and provide security for the
people," he explained.

Nevertheless, he said, the policies introduced by Najib, particularly
1Malaysia, needed to be explained on a continuous basis so that the leaders and
people could understand and reciprocate.

Sivamurugan said during the first 100 days of Najib's tenure, the government
should not only look at the achievements he had attained for the country but
also existing weaknesses so that they might be improved for the long-term.

Meanwhile, UiTM Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah said
Najib's determination and hard work was evident as changes could be seen even
before he reached the milestone of 100 days in office.

"It is clear to me that whatever the people does not like, he (Najib) has
corrected. He has fine-tuned and adjusted himself to the hopes and desires of
the people," he told Bernama.

He expressed hope that other members of the Cabinet and government officers
would follow suit so that the Prime Minister would not be alone in pursuing
changes.

Ibrahim was confident that more positive changes would be abound if Najib
were given the opportunity and full support of the people, whether from BN or
the opposition.

He said all political parties irrespective of ideologies should give their
support to the Prime Minister especially when the nation was struggling to
emerge from a global economic recession.

On the 1Malaysia concept, Ibrahim said although its purpose was for a more
stable and harmonious country, it was important that it was based on national
principles, rule of law, supremacy of the constitution and history.

Therefore all parties must be tolerant and level-headed and not be clouded
by emotions or narrow-mindedness.

On Najib's proposal for a national scholarship based on meritocracy, Ibrahim
said: "It's a step that will benefit all the rakyat. We have to assist those who
are excellent based on merit, but must also not forget about the underprivileged
rural students."

UiTM Machang, Kelantan, lecturer, Nik Ahmad Kamal Juhari said Najib was a
leader with a strong vision and solid plan in stabilising the country's
politics.

"Najib is a hardworking leader and an intelligent planner in restoring the
country's political stability so that the development and unity agenda can be
pursued through the 1Malaysia concept," he told Bernama.

From the economic perspective, many policies have been introduced by Najib
to ensure incoming foreign investment and to encourage the private sector to
play its role in mobilising the country's economy.

"Many policies which were seen as discouraging foreign investors have been
abolished and this shows the country's receptiveness towards world trade and
investment," he said.

Meanwhile, northern state of Perak Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) chairman
G. Rajoo said the "going down to the field" approach to find out the people's
problems was a good move.

He said the Indians saw Najib as listening to their plight and Najib
honoured his promises even though he had only been 100 days in office.

"An example is the RM100 million allocation for the education and
restoration of Tamil schools this year. Besides that, 257 Indian students have
received scholarships from the Public Service Department," he said.
-- BERNAMA