MALAYSIA CANNOT BE COMPLACENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia cannot be complacent in
transforming itself from an efficiency-based economy to one that is led by
innovation, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said.

He said the country needs to increase knowledge and expertise to spur
markets, products and process innovation.

"As soon as we stand still, even for a moment, we will be left behind," he
said at the closing of the Innovative and Creative Circle National Convention
2009.

The text of his speech was read out by his deputy Jacob Dungau Sagan.

Mustapa said although no one could predict the future, Malaysia could learn
from its past experience and focus on innovating for the future in order to
create competitive advantages.

Besides developing a productive partnership, the minister said Malaysia also
needs an environment that encouraged innovation and productivity.

" We need to be globally engaged and allow our people to experiment, to
transform and try new ways of doing things," he said.

-- BERNAMA