1MALAYSIA CONCEPT CAN STRENGTHEN UNITY IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

NARATHIWAT, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- A community leader in southern Thailand has
welcomed the 1Malaysia concept as it can have a positive effect on racial unity
in the restive region.

Takbai assistant head Suwit Srisuwan said Narathiwat which had a population
of Muslims and Buddhists was in need of values promoted by 1Malaysia, "People
First, Performance Now.'

"The 1Malaysia concept is really good as I live in a community of Malay
Muslims and Buddhists," he told Bernama at his office here Wednesday.

He said under the 1Malaysia concept, the community would enjoy economic
development and a better education system.

On Dec 9, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak who visited southern
Thailand said Malaysia was prepared to give scholarships and training to
students in the region.

Suwit said the announcement proved that Malaysia was concerned with the
development of people in southern Thailand.

-- BERNAMA