PM: We can’t be too individualistic

UNITED WE STAND: We must have consideration for others, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: EXTREME individualism will not be healthy for the nation’s wellbeing and development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday that the country could not afford to have a society that’s too individualistic.

“Being individualistic will lead to one doing whatever one wants without considering others and this can lead to an extreme situation,” he told the crowd of 20,000 who had gathered for the “Jom Ceria Bersama PM” programme at Dataran Putrajaya.

The prime minister said the nation wanted those who could work together towards nation-building and strengthening the people’s unity.“By doing so, I believe the country will achieve more success.”

Najib added that he subscribed to the saying: “A country which plays together stays together.”

He said through various means, including organising sporting events, the people could tear down the walls that kept them apart, adding that unity among the diversified society would then be stronger.

To stay healthy, Najib also called on Malaysians, especially generation Y, to alter their sedentary lifestyle and become physically active.

He made the call as he was worried about seeing more and more Malaysians suffering from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.“The long hours spent in front of computer screens and sitting down while engaging with their smartphones and tablets will make them vulnerable to such illnesses as well as obesity.“My doctor tells me that many of us are suffering from hypertension,” he said, before joining thousands for a 5km walk under the programme.

Present were the prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Sports and Youth Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Najib urged Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to improve their lifestyle through activities such as the “Jom Ceria” programme and other exercise activities.Rosmah later flagged off the thousands of participants.The event was organised by the 1Malaysia People’s Foundation and Putrajaya Corporation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being greeted by the people at the ‘Jom Ceria Bersama PM’ programme at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday