KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Saturday Malaysia needed proper implementation, coordination and execution of programmes to ensure the nation could compete globally.
To achieve that, all Malaysians must be united and work together while embracing the 1Malaysia concept, where people were given priority in all government programmes, he said.
"When I took over as the prime minister in April last year, I decided to build a new Malaysia on the spirit of 1Malaysia where we must be united and be part of a large family and combine the best of each community.
"This will enable each Malaysian, irrespective of ethnic background, to realise his or her maximum potential as a Malaysian," he said when opening the Seri Murugan Centre (SMC) at the Vivekananda Secondary School in Brickfields here.
"That is why we have undertaken this change, this transformation, this journey towards transforming our country to be a new Malaysia that is stronger, more properous -- a new Malaysia that is not only confined to physical intellectual boundaries but one that can meet global challenges.
"We must not have any fear and instead possess a great sense of confidence to become a great nation. And this can be done if we are united," he said.
Najib also stressed that the government would continue to increase the allocations for all communities.
"I am committed to helping all Malaysians because this is our family. This country, Malaysia, can be a great one," he said.
Najib also asked Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin to ensure that the "Little India" development project in Brickfields was completed according to schedule in November.
"I have a good relationship with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and he is planning to visit Malaysia in November when ‘Little India’ will be launched.
“So, the minister has promised me that ‘Little India’ will be ready in November. If it is not ready, we will ask them to explain," he said.
At the launch, the prime minister presented 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) academic grants to 50 SMC students to further their studies in local universities.
The students had excelled in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examinations under the guidance of the SMC. Each received RM15,000. - Bernama
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