Najib: BN govt will embark on a national reconciliation process

KUALA LUMPUR: The Barisan Nasional government will embark on a national reconciliation process as part of a move to heal the racial and political divisions that have sparked in the wake of the 13th general election.

BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak said as the results continued to pour in, there was a need to address the rise in extremist sentiment that has affected the country’s unity.
“We (BN) are still trying to absorb the results, but we will be looking forward to reject political and racial extremism, and work towards a more moderate and accommodating environment,” he said after the Election Commission confirmed BN’s victory tonight.
At press time, the BN had secured a slim majority of 112 seats out of the 222 contested.
The Pakatan Rakyat opposition pact won 58 seats.

Investing In well-being of girls, women a smart move - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said investing in girls' and women's education, health, safety, rights and financial independence not only pays but is also a smart investment.He said there were undeniable values in such investments as when girls and women were empowered, the benefits would extend beyond the individuals.

"Freed from the unnatural constraints of inequality, women can realise their potential as active participants in the community and in the world," he said.Addressing the 3rd Global Conference on Women Deliver 2013 here today, Najib spoke about the government's commitment to ensure that the health and well-being of girls and women in this country were viewed as priorities, not mere afterthoughts.

Najib noted that with the government's re-election came new and increased commitment to empower women and girls in an effort to drive the nation's development forward."Every girl and woman in Malaysia, regardless of her religion, political affiliation, social status or location, deserves a safe, healthy and prosperous life. Our national, regional and global stability depends on it," Najib said.

Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also patron of the conference, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim and Women Deliver president Jill Sheffield.

More than 3,000 delegates, including policymakers, advocates and international leaders representing over 150 countries, are attending the three-day conference beginning Tuesday.Malaysia is the first Asian country to be given the honour to host the global conference previously held in London and Washington D.C.

The event is touted as the largest global conference of the decade to focus on the health and well-being of girls and women. It is organised by Women Deliver which is headquartered in New York.

Najib said as Malaysia strove to become a developed nation by the end of the decade, the challenge was to ensure that the country's economic growth was truly inclusive with opportunities created and open to all citizens, and women were afforded the same rights, respect and opportunities as men.

"That will not happen from the top-down, change must come in the workplace, in the villages, in the mind of all Malaysians," he said.He noted that health advocates and experts must be ready to engage in dialogue with faith leaders to dispel negative perceptions on matters pertaining to girls' and women's health.

Women and girls, he said, must be empowered to make informed choices and take personal responsibility for their health within a social fabric that encouraged it.The prime minister said problems like teenage pregnancies, abandoned babies, early marriage and sexually transmitted infections must be addressed without stigma or discrimination.

"This will sometimes require a change in mindset, a willingness to look again at our approach, to ask ourselves whether we're doing all we can to put girls' and women's health first," he said.He stressed the importance of educating girls on their health and well-being which he believed would further lower maternal mortality and morbidity rates, help halt the spread of diseases including HIV and AIDS as well as improve child health and nutrition.

Investing in universal education without gender discrimination had yielded results beyond expectations, but the challenge for Malaysia, as for many other countries, was to ensure that success in the classroom carried over into life outside it, he added.

Najib: Malaysia’s investment in education without gender discrimination has yielded results

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's investment in education, without gender discrimination, has yielded results beyond the Government's expectation, said the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.Speaking at the 3rd Global Conference on Women Deliver 2013, Najib said 65 percent of students in institutions of tertiary educations here are women.

"A girl at school in Malaysia today is more likely to go to University than her male classmates."Although we have the same number of girls and boys enrolled in school, higher education rates are greater for women," he said on Tuesday.

However, he agreed that enrolment was only the first step."For Malaysia, as for many countries, the challenge is to ensure that success in the classroom carries over into life outside it, that the world of opportunity for girls and women does not narrow upon graduation, but opens up," he said, adding that women were not equally represented in the country's workforce, currently standing at 47 percent.

"More jobs aligned to women's needs should be offered to encourage their participation in the workforce, such as through home-based, part-time or flexible working hours," he said in his speech.Citing several Malaysian women he described as superstar players including Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Najib said their successes showed the country in its best light.

"I know that a few superstar players do not mean that the field is level."We have taken clear steps towards a more equitable nation in education, healthcare and in wage equality but there is still much more to be done," he said.

Speaking about the country's successes in the development of and empowerment of women, Najib pointed out that Malaysia had made great progress in of maternal healthcare."Thanks to strategic, focused and targeted interventions, thousands of women and children in Malaysia are able to survive and enjoy a good quality of life," he said, adding that Malaysia was prepared to provide technical support to countries with persistently high maternal mortality.He also called on health advocates and experts to engage with faith leaders to dispel negative perceptions, which stand in the way of women empowerment.

Why this kolaveri over GE2013 when we could be celebrating our unity and diversity

There's a dream for everyone.You and me never let it go And I can't do it alone.Just with you my friend.Climbing on a mountain so far and high.Reaching to the flag that I desire.Just cause the hope and trust you taught meI’ll never fall.Standing in the middle of a mist so cold And I’m trying to go back home.You came with a blanket, came with a hug And I’m freezing no more.We can do it Together now.Bringing us closer and closerLike never before.Hope is shining through and I know its true Watching with a vision where’s it heading toBinding us together as we’re marching on No we’ll never fall, no we’ll never fall.

Malaysia's governing coalition wins majority

Malaysia's ruling coalition has retained its 56-year hold on power in hard-fought elections but opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says the victory is tainted and has refused to concede. The Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition led by Prime Minister Najib Razak got well past the threshold of 112 seats for a simple majority in parliament, standing on 133 as final returns continued to trickle in early on Monday.

Najib, 59, called for a spirit of "reconciliation" after Sunday's elections, which saw record voter turnout and were preceded by a fierce campaign that laid bare deep polarisation in the country. "For the sake of national interest, I ask all parties, especially the opposition, to accept this result with an open heart," Najib said. "Overall, the results show a trend of polarisation which worries the government. If it is not addressed, it can create tension or division in the country." Police have banned all victory parades and street demonstrations after the declaration of the results.

But Anwar, whose three-party Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact) alliance had hoped to pull off a stunning win against the only government Malaysia has known, was in no mood to concede. "It is an election that we consider fraudulent and the EC (Election Commission) has failed," an exhausted-looking Anwar said after the announced returns dashed early hopes among his supporters that victory was at hand. Among irregularities alleged by the opposition, Anwar has said tens of thousands of "dubious" and possibly foreign voters were flown to key constituencies to sway results. The government denies the charge. Legal avenues Opposition officials said Pakatan Rakyat would explore possible legal avenues over such allegations, but the poll result is likely to stand as court challenges that threaten the government's hold rarely gain traction. The EC said a record 80 percent of the multi-ethnic country's 13 million registered voters - or more than 10 million people - had turned out on Sunday. Voters took to the internet in droves to accuse Najib's government of trying to steal the election, as indelible ink that he touted as a guarantee against voter fraud was found to easily wash off. Social media websites have been abuzz with videos showing foreign nationals receiving citizenship through dubious means and then being transported into voting centres to vote, Al Jazeera's Florence Looi reported from Kuala Lumpur.

Videos, pictures and first-hand accounts of purportedly foreign"voters" being confronted at polling centres by angry citizens also went viral online. Najib had been under pressure from conservatives in his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Barisan Nasional's dominant force, to regain seats lost in 2008 polls when Pakatan Rakyat stunned the ruling bloc with its worst setback ever. There have been warnings that he could face a leadership challenge within UMNO if he fell short. Najib appears to have failed to improve, but did not lose significant ground in parliament, and Barisan Nasional gained back one of four states held by the opposition. Malaysia has 13 states. Najib also has been squeezed by rising public pressure for reform, to which he has responded with some limited liberalisation moves. He had called for voters to give him his first mandate - Najib was installed in 2009 when his predecessor was dumped over the 2008 result - so that he could continue his reform agenda. Career at a crossroads The election outcome raises the spectre of an end to the charismatic Anwar's remarkable career, after he earlier pledged to step aside as opposition leader if he failed to win the long-awaited election. Anwar, 65, was deputy prime minister until his overthrow in a 1998 power struggle with then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and jailing for six years on sex charges widely viewed as trumped up, events that deeply polarised Malaysian politics. Anwar later brought his pan-racial appeal to the once-divided opposition, dramatically reversing its fortunes. After leading Pakatan Rakyat to historic gains in 2008 polls in which it denied Barisan Nasional its powerful two-thirds majority for the first time ever, Anwar had aimed to topple the government on Sunday. Pakatan Rakyat campaigned against corruption and pledged to roll back a decades old quota system that favours ethnic Malays in schools, business contracts and civil service jobs. But ethnic Malay-dominated Barisan Nasional retained powerful advantages, including control of traditional media, key institutions and an electoral landscape which critics say is biased in its favour.

Malaysia vote: PM Najib Razak's Barisan Nasional wins

Malaysia's ruling coalition has won a simple majority in the country's election, extending its 56-year rule.

The Election Commission said Prime Minister Najib Razak's Barisan Nasional (BN; National Front) coalition won 133 of the 222 in parliamentary seats - its worst-ever election performance.

The opposition won 89 seats, up from 82, in Sunday's election.Defeated opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim accused the ruling coalition of widespread fraud.

Voters - some 80% of whom cast ballots - had been faced with returning the ruling coalition or choosing Mr Anwar's untested three-party alliance, Pakatan Rakyat.Malaysian shares reacted positively to news that the BN had won.

The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index jumped 6.8% to a lifetime high of 1,808.90 in early trade on Monday. The local currency, the ringgit, hit a 10-month high.

'Polarisation'

In the 2008 polls, the BN lost its two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time - something it failed to regain in these elections.

As the result was confirmed, Mr Najib, 59, urged all Malaysians to accept his coalition's victory but acknowledged there was work ahead.

"One of the programmes we will undertake is national reconciliation... I think we realise that there are a lot of things we have to do as a party," he said.He noted that ethnic Chinese voters had turned to the opposition, which has pledged to reform the government's affirmative action policies that benefit ethnic Malays, in what he called "a Chinese tsunami".

Anwar said irregularities cost him seats

"The results show a trend of polarisation which worries the government. If it is not addressed, it can create tension or division in the country," Mr Najib said.Unconfirmed reports suggested that the coalition did not receive a majority of the popular vote.

Tallies by independent online media gave the BN coalition 49% of the vote, which would make Mr Najib the first leader to win with a minority of the popular vote, AFP news agency reported.Mr Anwar, meanwhile, accused the authorities of widespread abuses which he said had distorted the result of the election."It is an election that we consider fraudulent and the Electoral Commission has failed," he told a news conference after midnight on Monday.

Election was considered Malaysia's most keenly contested poll since independence

PM Najib Razak leads the long-dominant coalition Barisan Nasional (National Front)

Anwar Ibrahim leads the three-party opposition coalition Pakatan Rakyat Key poll issues included corruption, race-based policies that favour ethnic Malays, and the economy

Turnout was estimated at a record 80%, election officials said

"We see these irregularities have cost us many seats, particularly those with narrow margins," he said.

Allegations of election fraud had surfaced before the election. Some of those who voted in advance told BBC News that indelible ink on their hands - supposed to last for days and show they had already voted - had easily washed off.

The opposition also accused the government of funding flights for supporters to key states, which the government denied.Independent pollster Merdeka Center cited unconfirmed reports of foreign nationals being given ID documents and being allowed to vote.

There were also reports of attacks against independent media. Most traditional media in Malaysia are linked to the ruling parties.This result is a bitter blow to the opposition coalition, after a spirited campaign that tapped into a hunger for change among many younger Malaysians, the BBC's Jonathan Head in Kuala Lumpur reports.

They had believed a surge of support, especially in urban areas, would be enough to unseat a ruling coalition that has been in government for more than half a century, our correspondent adds.Thousands of opposition supporters swapped their Facebook profile photos for black boxes to show their dismay when they learned that the ruling coalition had retained power, AP news agency reported.

Malaysia's economy to grow stronger in Q2

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's economy will grow stronger in the second half this year, driven by the removal of the political uncertainty and the Government's firm economic policy, said Credit Suisse Securities (M) Sdn Bhd managing director Stephen Hagger.

He said Malaysia would join an exclusive club currently comprising the Philippines and Thailand which had all the three certainties: primarily economic, corporate earnings and political stability.In the first quarter this year, Malaysia's economy had been put on hold, with everyone predicting the date of the 13th General Election, he said.

“Based on our forecasts, the Malaysian economy is to grow somewhere around 5% this year, boosted by the government's Economic Transformation Programme (ETP),” he told reporters at a forum entitled “GE13 What it means for Business?” yesterday.Hagger said the consistent growth of the gross domestic product and political stability in Malaysia would strengthen the economy.

He said the Malaysian Government's present focus was to reduce the budget deficit to 4% this year.“Everyone is working towards achieving a budget surplus by 2020 and we are heading in the right direction. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) is looking very carefully to signs that the current deficit is under control although there is no great rush, but the direction must be there and this is very much in the control of the Malaysian Government,” he said.

Asked for his recommendations for a stronger benchmark, Hagger said it would be bolstered by construction and banking stocks.“I expect construction stocks like Gamuda, IJM and UEM Land to move up, spurred by the government's projects under the ETP,” he said.

He said banking stocks such as CIMB, RHB and OSK would also be bullish.On Maybank, Hagger said the appointment of the bank's managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar as a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit, would create a huge impact on the bank.“However, there is not too much worry about that as the bank is still strong and will remain bullish this year,” he added. - Bernama

Malaysia’s economy ‘to pick up pace in 2H2013’

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — The Malaysian economy will pick up pace and grow further in the second half of this year following the moderate performance in the first quarter, says a leading banker.

Maybank president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said the moderation in the gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter reflected the weak economic activities during the period.

“I expect the economy to pick up in the second half, driven by the removal of the political uncertainty and the government’s strong economic policy,” Abdul Wahid, who has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), told reporters after attending the SSM National Conference here today.

Bank Negara Malaysia announced last week that Malaysia’s GDP expanded by 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year amid the weaker external environment compared with 5.1 per cent in the same quarter last year and 6.5 per cent in the fourth quarter 2012.    

Abdul Wahid said the country’s economic driver would be the new government economic plans.

“The Maybank Investment segment has forecast about 5.3 per cent growth this year and the government expects about five to six per cent. I believe we should achieve somewhere along there,” he said.

Abdul Wahid said he was confident that Maybank Islamic would contribute one third to Maybank group’s earnings.“We expect the Islamic bank segment to contribute more and achieve one third by 2015,” he said, adding that currently Maybank Islamic contributed about 30 per cent to the Maybank group’s earnings.

He said the Islamic banking was growing especially in Malaysia.Asked on the bank’s succession plan, Abdul Wahid said the board of directors were in discussions to pick his successor.

“I’m sure the bank has a good succession plan and they probably need some time before making any announcement,” he said.Abdul Wahid said he would resign as Maybank president and chief executive officer on June 4.“But before this, let me complete my duties at Maybank, which will release its first quarter financial results on May 23,” he said.

Abdul Wahid described his new responsibility as the minister in charge of the EPU as a very challenging task.

“I’m very nervous on my new position as a minister, this is a public office, with a mammoth responsibility, but I’m honoured to serve the country.

“This is a great challenge and I will do my best,” he said.After helming three corporate giants, namely UEM Builders Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Maybank, he will take his oath of office as a senator on June 5 to assume his minister’s post. – Bernama  

Boycott ‘madness’ festivals, accept defeat

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians must boycott the “pesta kegilaan” (festival of madness) by the opposition over claims of electoral fraud and accept that Barisan Nasional won the 13th general election.

Newly minted Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said this when asked to comment on Home Minister Zahid Hamidi’s statement that Malaysians unhappy with the electoral system should emigrate.

“I have to see the context of Zahid’s statement, what was reported [before I can comment]… but I agree…that there are ‘madness festivals’ being run by sore losers,” said Ahmad Shabery at a press conference today.

“I feel this must be stopped. Most importantly, the rakyat must stop them, must boycott them and leave them because these festivals are about rejecting the decision made by the rakyat through our electorate system,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid wrote in a column published last Wednesday in Utusan Malaysia that the opposition was deliberately confusing “Chinese youths and politically blind followers” into protesting the election results.

This was in response to the series of mega rallies Pakatan Rakyat organised, claiming that electoral fraud and an incompetent Election Commission had robbed them of their victory.

But Ahmad Shabery today mocked the opposition and their supporters for “behaving like children” and “shrieking here and there” and suggested that their actions contravened the country’s democratic and constitutional system.

“We have to see what laws applies against these sore losers who act outside the limits of our democratic and constitutional system,” said Ahmad Shabery.

“Are they seen as going against our constistution and democratic system?” he asked.

He also dismissed Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s argument that Pakatan was the rightful victor by virtue of winning the popular vote, insisting instead that the opposition pact only won big in urban areas.

“Even if they won the popular votes, it was in the urban areas. But our country’s democratic system takes into account not only the urban votes but the rural.

“They can’t dismiss the voters in Kapit, in Machang and Kinabatangan as unimportant. If the people there have said they want the existing party to continue ruling Malaysia, they must accept this,” he added.

He pointed out that despite claims of electoral fraud and gerrymandering, Pakatan had no qualms about accepting their victories in Selangor and Penang.

“If they didn’t agree with the system, they wouldn’t have accepted the swearing in ceremony of the Selangor Menteri Besar [PKR's Khalid Ibrahim] and Penang Chief Minister [DAP’s Lim Guan Eng]. But they did,” said Ahmad Shabery.

Malaysia sets date for landmark elections

The date for Malaysia's highly anticipated polls, which are expected to be the closest in the country's history, has been set, the head of the country's electoral watchdog has announced.

Malaysia's general election is to be held on May 5, Aziz Yusof, the Election Commission chairman, said on Wednesday.

Yusof said balloting would be preceded by a two-week official campaign period kicking off on April 20.

The general elections will determine whether Prime Minister Najib Razak's governing coalition, can extend nearly 56 years of uninterrupted rule and prevail over an opposition alliance that accuses it of corruption and authoritarianism.

The opposition Peoples' Alliance, led by Anwar Ibrahim, the former deputy minister won five of Malaysia's 13 states in 2008 and stands a strong chance of toppling the coalition.Ibrahim however is calling for faster political and economic reform and has pledged to tackle government authoritarianism and corruption.

He has promised tax cuts, an increase in subsidies and to address complaints of discrimination against minority ethnic Chinese and Indians. 

About 13.3 million Malaysians will be eligible to cast ballots to fill 222 seats in the federal parliament and to choose representatives for 12 state legislatures.The National Front won 2008 polls with less than a two-thirds parliamentary majority in its worst electoral performance since independence from Britain in 1957.

Thumbs up for BN's manifesto

REALISTIC: It doesn't promise the moon and the stars, only things which are deliverable, say leaders
KOTA KINABALU: THE Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received the thumbs up from leaders nationwide.

In Sabah, the coalition members welcomed the election manifesto which promises hope and confidence for the people.Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the manifesto would continue to put Malaysia on the fast track of development.

"It has concrete pledges that take into account the needs of all Malaysians, regardless of race and background."It also outlines specific programmes geared towards the development of women and youth and even the welfare of the disabled," he said, adding that the prime minister was right when he referred to the document as "a promise of hope" and not just a mere manifesto.

Musa said what was contained within the BN manifesto was realistic, achievable and trustworthy, unlike the opposition's which promised the moon and stars just as bait to get the people to vote for them.United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the manifesto was a continuation of what had been outlined by BN in the last four years since Najib took over the helm of the country.

Dompok also expressed that the BN-led government should be returned to look into the infrastructure and development in the state.Sabah Gerakan chief Datuk Gordon Leong said the manifesto asserted the coalition's "Promise of Hope" if re-elected into government."BN has track record of achievements and we need a government that has track record, workable plans and proposals.

"Therefore, it is crucial for the people to evaluate the 'Promise of Hope' of BN versus manifesto of PR objectively."Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Shirlin said the manifesto was a proof that BN was a government that reached out to the people.

"The manifesto serves the needs of the people, not only in the peninsula but also Sabah and Sarawak."
In Gopeng, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek described BN's manifesto as holistic, realistic and pragmatic.

"It will ensure Malaysia's economy continues to prosper and its people to have high income by 2020," he said, adding that the manifesto was the result of three discussions Najib had with BN component party chiefs.Speaking to reporters after visiting the Lawan Kuda New Village, Dr Chua said the manifesto placed priority on the people and the country's development.

"We also welcome the assurance that Chinese education will be supported by the government and assistance to these schools will be continued."The party was also glad that the manifesto took into consideration MCA's proposal that civil service and government-linked companies to be multiracial."It's a warranty that is in line with the 1Malaysia concept which practices inclusive policy."In Seremban, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said there was a striking difference between 0BN and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manifestos.

He said the opposition's manifesto tabled earlier offers sweet promises to entice voters which if implemented could destroy the country."BN's manifesto is a promise. It is a continuation of our work and our commitment to further improve the people's lives without jeapordising the future of our country."

Mohamad said BN's manifesto also clearly listed the methods and means to achieve the coalition's target.
"It shows the PM's commitment in the next five years to double the government's effort to help the people."

Negri Sembilan MIC chairman Datuk T. Rajagopalu described the BN manifesto as inclusive and fair to all Malaysian regardless of their races.Former PKR leader Datuk Seri Zahrain Hashim also lauded the BN initiatives for low-income groups.

"Those who criticise the policy are usually the ones who do not even pay tax, but they are among the first to line up to receive it."It is taxpayers' money but it is how the government manages the money that counts. Now that BR1M will be given annually, this will definitely alleviate the people's burden. It is definitely a smart move by BN."

In Malacca, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the BN manifesto was practical as it was based on what the government was capable of achieving."BN's promises are reasonable as they take into consideration the country's income, economic growth and ability to repay, while ensuring that the people's needs are met.

"We mean to fulfil these promises, unlike the opposition, which make claims that they will provide all sorts of things for free without taking into account the country's capacity to support such promises."He added that BN's pledges were balanced, touching on crucial economic and social aspects, including a solid plan to take Malaysia to greater heights on the global stage.

"Not only will the people's income be increased, but basic amenities such as public infrastructure and transport systems, including the West Coast Expressway and the Pan Borneo Highway, will be improved for the betterment of the nation."All sectors involved will be empowered to enhance national economic growth, driving us closer to becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2020."

Ali added that he was confident that the people would make the right choice in the upcoming general election."What have Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim achieved compared with Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has overseen the country's transformation these past few years?

"Can they legitimately say that they have done more for the country than BN leaders who have fulfilled their promises to the people?"I think the people can judge for themselves who are the more credible leaders compared with those who have failed to fulfil their promises after being given the chance to rule a few states for the past five years."

The Great Achievements of Najib Razak

Najib Razak was born into the family of politicians and was given a chance to lead the people quite early in life, when his father passed away. Najib Tun razak was at a ripe age of 22, and he became the youngest member of the Malaysian parliament. He had the leadership blood in him being born in the Razak family and thus he never had trouble in working for the people and leading them towards development. He was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister, in the year 2004, which was exactly 47 years after his father had been appointed at the same post.

Being educated at St. John’s Institution which is a great institution in Kuala Lumpur and then at the Malvern Boy’s College in Worcestershire, England, he also earned a degree in Industrial Economics from the Nottingham University. Once he returned to Malaysia in the year 1974, he joined the corporate world, when he started working with the Bank Negara (or the Central Bank) and later he moved to work with PETRONAS (the national petroleum corporation) as the in charge of as a Public Affairs. But due to the death of his father, Tun Abd Razak, his life took a turn which even he was not prepared for.

But then Najib Tun Razak had the quality of a fighter and a leader running in his blood, and thus it was not much time before he quickly adapted to the public life when he joined the Parliament. Within some time of his joining the parliament he was able to prove his credibility along with his capability as a politician to the people along with his colleagues. During the very first year of his joining as the MP, he was appointed at the post of Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts, and then he was given charge of Deputy Minister of Education and Deputy Minister of Finance.

At the age of 29, he became the Menteri Besar of Pahang, after he won the elections for the state assembly elections of Pekan. Pahang, being the biggest state in Peninsular Malaysia was a first great achievement for Najib. Najib Tun Razak  was able to tone down the political crisis that Pahang was going through as he was welcomed to the Pahang Royal Court (as he had inherited the title of the Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar). The crisis was solved and toned down and then Najib moved towards strengthening the whole education of the state of Pahang.

From working with the youths to promote education and sports amongst the people of Pahang, to promoting a new land scheme with the help of FELDA, the Federal Land Development Authority, he worked towards providing a new way to earn money for the landless and the people in the lower income group. Najib Tun Razak was the prime mover to change the way of games in the country and was an important part of the delegate which brought the SEA games to the country. He has also been part of the Human Rights commission along with the Election Commission of the country. 

Reasons To Vote For BN This Election

It seems more and more likely that a general election will be called soon.. Why should we vote for

Barisan Nasional this time?

• BN will defend the Constitution. In BN, everyone is united behind the Constitution — no questioning the rights of this or that community which are enshrined in the Constitution
• BN will not treat the country like their personal fiefdom. Unlike some opposition parties which think Malaysia belongs to Allah/Anwar/Altantuya, BN firmly believes that the country belongs to the People
• Haven't you realised how much BN politicians sacrifice to serve the people? How on earth could they have the time and energy to develop a coterie of parasites living off the largesse of the rakyat's money through contracts for shoddy and unnecessary projects?
• BN will uplift the economically disadvantaged Bumiputra community. Many have argued that BN's pet policy to achieve this goal, the New EconomicPolicy, is not working, as it is not bearing any fruit; things are not much better for the Bumiputras despite 30 years of the NEP
•  Our brave and courageous leaders in BN are willing to forge a new path and do something no other country dares to do
• BN will continue to develop and improve our education system so it can produce thinking and creative Malaysians.
• BN shares power with all its component parties.
• BN will get tough on crime
• if you re-elect BN with a larger majority, you can be assured that the government will lock them up with its powers under the state of emergency that has been in force for 40 years to ensure they can never harm the country again.
• BN is not arrogant or self-serving. It certainly does not let power go to its head, and its leaders continue to make major sacrifices 
• if we re-elect BN, they will be able to continue serving us — unlike those arrogant egoists in the opposition who make a big fuss out of spending years in jail for criticising our wise and benevolent BN government.
• BN will ensure zero poverty in Malaysia. You might remember that the number one reason BN has been so successful in its stewardship of the country is because of how they have developed our economy
• Last but not least, BN will be fair and honest with all Malaysians. They will not discriminate against any class of Malaysians because of race or religion.

PM: Youngsters benefit most from country’s transformation agenda

PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said yesterday the country’s transformation agenda would bring most benefits to young people, and they should support the agenda for a more glorious future for themselves. Najib Razak Najib Razaksaid young people were the most important asset of the country in its march towards greater prosperity and well-being.

“Young people should support the national transformation agenda because the agenda will bring benefits in the short and long term.“When Malaysia becomes a developed nation, the beneficiaries will be the young people of today. In fact, we do not have to wait until 2020 for the young people to gain from the transformation agenda,” he said when opening the Pekan Vision Children’s Club (Kawan) at the IM4U Fair 2013 at DataranPekan, here.

Najib’s wife, Datin Seri RosmahMansor, and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail SabriYaakob were also present at the event. Najib Razak said it was important that the young people be given guidance so that they understood the transformation undertaken by the government.

“If the young people of today can be nurtured, they can contribute to a more glorious future,” he said.

Najib Razak said the government was of the opinion that youngsters were the nation’s asset, and it had to formulate policies and implement programmes for them and for national development.The prime minister said the government had never marginalised young people as it had provided them with various educational and training programmes and employment opportunities.

On another matter, Najib said he was confident that young people would always respect the country’s security forces who sacrificed their lives to defend

the nation’s sovereignty. — BernamaThe prime minister also said that the “JelajahPatriotik” (Patriotic Tour) had begun in LahadDatu and would move on to Sarawak and then to the peninsula.

This showed that the security forces had the support of the people, even the young, he added.

“I was given an army-style cap, my wife is wearing army-style boots today,” he said.

Najib said he would attend a programme on Monday with the police force and would explain the Sulu terrorist intrusion in LahadDatu.

DPM: BN set for greatest challenge

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Barisan Nasional (BN) has taken extraordinary steps in its efforts to win the hearts and minds of the people thanks to the lessons learnt following the coalition’s dismal performance in the 2008 general election.

In recalling BN’s dismal performance in that election, Muhyiddin said BN was now prepared ahead of its “greatest” challenge for the coming election.
“After the election in 2008, I went to every state to meet party leaders from all levels (for a post-mortem). I discovered that some of our men’s morale was very low.

“In Selangor, they were monyok (despondent), lethargic and some resorted to vent their anger on each other. A number felt rather threatened (politically) and could not dish out their services effectively as a party.
“But our prime minister was aware of the matter and decided to take action to mend the situation. That is why we take drastic measures, which include holding hundreds of (political) courses for our party members,” he said in his speech yesterday, during a meeting with Council of Former Elected Representatives of Malaysia (Mubarak) and Federal Territories Umno Senior Retirees Club.

At the same time, Muhyiddin said BN component parties such as MIC and MCA which suffered worse problems than Umno, were told to quickly reform their lines since the losses did not only mar the image of Umno but the other parties in the coalition as well.
“Gerakan especially, was almost crippled when most of the seats held were lost. The same went for MCA and MIC at that time. Other component parties had become low-spirited after 2008.
“This is why a number of efforts have been taken continuously to rejuvenate BN.”

Touching on the current trans-formation of the government, Muhyiddin said it would be carried out beyond the general election in several institutions as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen the economic standing of the people.

Although he did not specify details of the said revamp, he stressed the importance of continuously improving the socio-economic standing of the people with regard to fulfilling the objectives of seven National Key Result Areas.

Meanwhile, speaking at another function, Muhyiddin said the government was planning to open 1Malaysia bookstores nationwide to encourage reading and promote local literature.
In his speech during his visit to the first 1Malaysia bookstore that was opened in Kuala Lumpur, Muhyiddin said the government iniative in opening such bookstores will also help the underprivileged to own reading materials at affordable prices.
Muhyiddin noted that people’s perception and thoughts were often influenced by reading and writing materials regardless of genre.
He added that this was why writers played an important role in shaping the nation towards its vi-sion of becoming a developed country.

Earlier, Muhyiddin launched 10 books written by local women writers. There are now four branches of 1Malaysia bookstores, at Pudu Sentral station, Wangsa Maju, Ipoh and Kuantan.
At another function, Muhyiddin launched the RM200 million redevelopment of the Raja Bot market or better known as the Chow Kit market.

He said the project would transform the image of the surrounding areas such as Chow Kit, Jalan Raja Bot and Jalan Raja Alang into a more positive one.

PM Najib Tun Razak promises ‘Economic Growth’

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today promised to present two big gifts to the people of Penang under a Barisan Nasional (BN) state government after the next general election — 20,000 units of affordable homes and a monorail service. This will promote economic growth also. According to Najib Tun Razak, goal is to "transform the Malaysian economy to become one with high incomes and quality growth. The goal is to stimulate economic growth by promoting Unity in diversity across all sectors of society, in part through transformation of system by new innovation, with an eye towards sustainability

20,000 Homes for Penang

Seri Najib Tun Razak told more than 20,000 people gathered at the launch of the “Promises Fulfilled Tour” programme at University Sains Malaysia (USM) that 10,000 units of the houses would be built soon under the 1Malaysia People’s Housing Programme (PR1MA).Under Malaysia1, programme aims to provide more affordable residential properties in major cities nationwide. This programme is also part of the Barisan Nasional government’s noble agendas to raise the quality of life amongst Malaysians in tandem with the 1Malaysia and Vision 2020 concepts. The other 10,000 units would be built by government agencies, including JKP Send Bhd, the Penang Regional Development Authority (Perda) and Syarikat Perumahan Nasional Berhad (SPNB), said Najib, who was on a day-long working visit to the state administered by the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition.“These houses will be sold at below market prices to the people of Penang. For example, if the market price of a house is RM500, 000, we will sell it for only RM300, 000,” he said at the event, also attended by Cabinet ministers Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen. This will definitely bring transformation in Malaysia.

Najib said the DAP-led state government had failed to resolve the housing woes of the people in the state and had not built affordable homes and low-cost houses.Citing the Kampung Buah Pala issue as an example, the prime minister said the opposition leaders had promised to settle the matter in two weeks but failed to do so and the BN government had to step in to resolve it.Najib said applications for houses under PR1MA, which opened today, could be made online and the drawing of lots for the houses would be transparent.

Monorail Services

Seri Najib Tun Razak also said that a monorail service was badly needed to overcome the increasingly serious traffic congestion on the island. “We know that the people of Penang are plagued by traffic congestion. If the BN wins the state (in the general election), we will build a monorail system, similar to the LRT service in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.The people of Penang were entitled to a better public transportation system, he said, adding that this would become a reality if they gave the mandate to the BN.

The prime minister gave the assurance that the BN would not let the Malays in the state to be marginalized and, at the same time, it would continue to ensure the well-being of the Chinese and Indians. The Prime Minister also said that unity in diversity remains the pillar of Malaysia's strength, and reminded the people never to jeopardize the harmony that the nation has long enjoyed

Promises Progress

Najib Tun Razak said every vote for the BN was a vote for stability and progress, but a vote for PAS was a vote for disunity, a vote for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was a vote for the personal struggle of an individual and a vote for the DAP was a vote for an uncertain future. Progress will happen if BN comes back. This will allow Malaysia to achieve steady progress.

Najib Tun Razak said the “Promises Fulfilled” label of the BN illustrated the fact that the coalition could be trusted for keeping to its word.“When we make a promise, we regard that as a bond. With that bond, the people can place their trust in us. The Barisan Nasional government fulfills its promises, whatever they may be,” he said. Bernama