PM: GOVT TO ENSURE WELFARE OF ITS EMPLOYEES

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak Monday told the
country's civil servants that their welfare will continue to be taken care of
according to the government's affordability.

He said the 'People First' concept that he introduced recently also included
the civil servants and that their wellbeing would be looked into based on the
government's financial capacity.

"Last Saturday, I visited the JKR (Public Works Department) quarters and was
saddened with what I saw. The JKR build houses for others, but their staff live
in one-room houses, some even add the bedrooms on their own.

"I feel this cannot go on. I said that new projects must be carried out, and
will be implemented. When I did the walkabout, when I introduced the 'People
First' it includes the civil servants too. We will do it according to the
goverment's affordability," he said at the monthly assembly of the Prime
Minister's Department (JPM), here.

On the monthly assembly, Najib said the gathering this time was most
meaningful because it was held in the month of Ramadhan, it was also on the day
of 'Nuzul Al-Quran' and that the nation celebrated its 52nd year of independence
in the fasting month a week ago.

As such, he said Muslims must appreciate the special significance of the
Ramadhan and use it as an avenue to develop their inner strength to carry out
changes.

The Prime Minister also said that Islam stressed on the principles of social
justice and mutual understanding between the people of various religions and
ethnic groups.

He said if the Muslims practised these principles, Islam and the Muslims
would be more respected and Malaysia would become a successful role model as a
Muslim country.

Najib also noted a small but significant change at the assembly this morning
when civil servants adhered to punctuality as they had arrived exactly at the
time before the commencement of the programme.

"When I arrived here three minutes before schedule, I did not see any civil
servant who were still climbing the hill. This means that you had maintained
punctuality despite the month of Ramadhan.
"
I see this as a transformation. I congratulate all of you," he said.
-- BERNAMA