PUTRAJAYA: Efforts to mould a Bangsa Malaysia will be successful if programmes aimed at nation-building are adopted wholeheartedly, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Monday.
He said media publications like The Star can play their part by giving emphasis and support to the Government’s efforts to promote nation-building, such as the National Service programme.
"Although the programme has some weaknesses, it is important that we support efforts that can strengthen national unity.
"The more programmes that are adopted as national programmes, the more successful we will be in creating a Bangsa Malaysia," he said.
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Najib launching The Star's Bahasa Malaysia website in Putrajaya on Monday. Looking on are (from left) The Star Online editor Raslan Sharif, group chief editor Datuk Wong Sulong and mStar Online editor Sidek Kamiso. |
Najib was speaking at the launch of mStar Online (mstar.com.my), The Star’s Bahasa Malaysia online daily at his office on Monday.
Also present at the event were The Star’s group managing director Datuk Steven Tan, group chief editor Datuk Wong Sulong, deputy group chief editor (I) Michael Aeria, deputy group chief editor (II) Datuk Wong Chun Wai, mStar Online editor Sidek Kamiso and other senior management.
The Deputy Prime Minister said The Star’s efforts to set up a Bahasa Malaysia website was timely, as it provided more information avenues for Malaysians, especially those who were fluent in the language.
"I am confident the approach (taken by) mStar Online will help in (promoting) national unity and racial integration," he said.
Najib also said mStar Online could help project Malaysia's image internationally, especially to the Malay world.
"I would like to commend The Star for taking the initiative; this will certainly enhance its role and influence as a major publication. You are now the leading publication in the English language and making a foray into Bahasa Malaysia.
"This is in line with our ultimate goal to have each and every Malaysian become fluent in both (English and Bahasa Malaysia) languages," he said.
Najib said the importance of Bahasa Malaysia should not be underated as not only is it the national language, but also the language of unity.
"At the same time, we also want to be fluent in English so that we can play our part as a major global player," he added.
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