Govt to resettle villagers in affected areas: PM

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is to launch an initiative to resettle people living in several locations in eastern Sabah to maintain public safety, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

The move was decided on after realising that the vulnerability of several settlements to the easy entry of illegal immigrants and stateless persons was the primary cause of the Sulu terrorist intrusion in Lahad Datu and other parts of eastern Sabah, he said.

He said that the initiative, under Part III of the Preservation of Public Security Regulations 2013, enabled the government to resettle any individual or a group of people, particularly any individual or a group of people who were illegal immigrants or stateless persons, in a safe and suitable area determined by the government.

“In undertaking this resettlement, the government will take into consideration the safety and well-being of not only the people to be resettled but also the people already living in the designated area of resettlement,” he said at the parade in conjunction with the 206th Police Day at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol), here.“It must be emphasised here that the decision to resettle any individual or a group of people is for the sake of maintaining public security.

Najib said discussions would be held with the district, native or village chiefs on all aspects of the resettlement, including the people’s source of livelihood.

The prime minister said that to preserve and protect the people’s fundamental rights and uphold the rule of law, the government would ensure that the resettlement did not prevent any aggrieved citizen in the designated area from challenging the government’s decision or exercising his or her right as a voter in any parliamentary or state election.

“Realising that the resettlement would involve Malaysians, either as those to be resettled or those already living in the area of resettlement, the government will help those citizens whose rights under the Federal Constitution have been undermined by such resettlement,” he said.

The prime minister said the government would provide a safe place to live and ensure that adequate facilities were available for maintenance of public health, medical services and sanitation, besides opportunities for education and employment.

The government would also cooperate with any domestic or foreign organisation to make available training and equipment, if necessary, to enable the resettled people to start life anew, he said.

“The government realises that the decision on the resettlement has a major impact on the future of those involved. Migration to a new place involves getting adapted to a new environment,” he said.

The prime minister said the resettlement initiative might be extended to the rest of Sabah when it was felt that the situation was right to do so.He also said that the initiative would be beneficial to those already living in the area of resettlement because the government would implement programmes necessary for their well-being.

He also said that the government had never doubted the loyalty of Malaysian citizens of Suluk descent.“Although the resettlement initiative is now confined to eastern Sabah, it does not mean that western Sabah is being neglected. The need for safety is now more pressing in the east,” he said.

“The government will continue to protect their legitimate rights and champion their welfare,” he said.He said they were citizens who enjoyed the rights provided for by the Federal Constitution and the other laws of the country.

“In their attempt to defend themselves and the country, the terrorist was killed. Their deed and bravery are most appreciated,” he said.Najib also praised the people of Kampung Senalang in Semporna for their bravery and sacrifice in overcoming a terrorist on March 3.Earlier, the prime minister inspected a guard-of-honour and watched a parade of 1,300 police officers and men.At today’s event, Najib presented to the next-of-kin a one-rank posthumous promotion for the eight policemen slain by the terrorists in Sabah.Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa also attended the event.

Transformation brings progress to rural folk, says Najib

KUALA LIPIS, March 23 — The 21st-century development of rural areas under the concept of making available housing and economic projects is reflective of the transformation brought by the government to raise the livelihood of the rural communities to be on par with that of urban folk, Prime Minister Datuk Seri NajibRazak said today.

Najib (picture) said the transformation implemented by the BarisanNasional (BN) government so far was to enable the rural communities to emerge from poverty and secure an income of RM1,000 and more a month. 

“The modernisation concept has been successful whereby the landscape has changed in the rural areas, including in the Felcra, Felda and Risda plantations. 

“We want the modern lifestyle in the cities to be brought to the rural areas, not just the physical development but also the comprehensive nature of 21st-century development,” he said when opening the “RimbunanKaseh” integrated community project in TanjungBesar near here. 

Najib said the project, an integrated community development with housing and agricultural projects for the rural people, was an ongoing effort by the government to look after the welfare of the people and alleviate poverty. 

The RM37 million project was developed by IRIS Corporation Berhad with the co-operation of the state government and the State Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIP) to settle 100 poor families in the state on a 12-hectare site. So far, 76 houses had been completed and 71 families moved them from December 1 last year while the remaining 24 houses were expected to be ready in August or September. 

“The RimbunanKaseh project here is the first to be completed after a decision was made on February 21 last year. Besides being implemented in a short time, it is regarded as a model for rural development in the 21st century,” he said. 

He said the success of the programme was a result of smart partnership among the federal government, state government and a private sector company in realising modernisation in a rural area. 

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/transformation-brings-progress-to-rural-folk-says-najib/

Winning GE13 is Job No. 1, Umno men say after Dr M’s putsch warning

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 ― Winning Election 2013 takes precedence over party intrigues, several Umno leaders said today as they sought to play down veteran Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s warning to Datuk Seri NajibRazak that the prime minister may lose his post if the ruling coalition cedes more seats in the next polls.

Seasoned Umno lawmakers contacted by The Malaysian Insider appeared upset that the country’s fourth and longest-serving prime minister had chosen to publicly remind Najib about what he stood to lose with the 13th general election just weeks away, but did not deny that party warlords may push for the sixth PM to be ousted should the BarisanNasional (BN) suffer further setbacks.

“No one should not talk about things like that, [not] even Tun. Such statements will do more harm than good. I disagree with him. We should be focusing on winning now,” said Umno supreme council member Dr MohdKhir Toyo.

“What Tun raised is, of course, important, but we can wait for the results of the elections first. We can talk about that later,” the former Selangor mentribesar said.

Dr Mahathir was yesterday reported by international news agency AFP as suggesting that Najib may be unseated by unhappy Umno warlords if he fails to improve on BN’s performance during Election 2008, which had also helped unite the disparate opposition parties into a cohesive political force.

Dr Mahathir also told the news wire that he was worried about a possible regime change, suggesting there would be chaos and religious strife if the BN lost Putrajaya.

“Of course, if he (Najib) does not perform, there will be some necessity to switch horses.

“There could be a lot of disappointment and maybe a move to challenge him. That is normal,” the ex-prime minister who was in office for 22 years was quoted saying.

Pulai MP DatukNurJazlanMohamed, also said Dr Mahathir should not have aired Umno’s dirty laundry with the election just weeks away.

But the son of one of Dr Mahathir’s staunchest supporters, the late Datuk Mohamed Rahmat, suggested the 87-year-old was only seeking to protect his legacy by campaigning for a BN win.

“Tun shouldn’t be talking about something negative at this point... I suppose he wants his legacy to continue by making sure BN wins.

“We can win actually (but) we need continuity to ensure BN can continue with its transformation and rejuvenation of its ministers and mentrisbesar,” NurJazlan told The Malaysian Insider.

Dr Mahathir was credited as the political force behind successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s premature retirement from office in April 2009 ― despite winning the 12th general elections albeit with the loss of its parliamentary supermajority ― and paving the way for Najib’s rise to the top.

Previously, Dr Mahathir had repeatedly warned the country’s majority Malays that a weak government like Najib’s would give rise to non-Malay dominance, alluding to the liberal policies pushed by Najib and reading them as signs of growing non-Malay encroachment into Malay rights.

But the former prime minister had also called on voters to give Najib a chance, saying restoring BN’s parliamentary supermajority would help the Umno-led federal government consolidate the Malays’ position in the country.

But for some Umno members, Dr Mahathir’s statements could undo Najib’s vigorous push to maintain the party’s Malay powerbase and court the critical young ― seen to be the new kingmakers, according to the results of several surveys conducted in the past few months in the run-up to Election 2013.

“I am not saying he is wrong. I respect him. He is my former boss. But I believe we should be focusing on winning now. I would prefer to stick with positive things for now. Let’s support Najib,” said Padang Besar MP Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid, a former Umno supreme council member and an ex-minister.

Some political analysts have forecasted that BN will retain federal power at the polls that must be called by end-April when the current BN mandate expires, but have said that any win will be slim and unlikely to give it the customary two-thirds majority it enjoyed before Election 2008.

Other pundits, however, believe an opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) win at the polls may be possible, ushering a new regime into power for the first time since Independence in 1957.

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.

Najib woos federal agency workers with better perks

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 ― The Najib Razak administration today moved to appease some 40,000 employees of federal agencies by agreeing to boost their benefits ahead of key national polls.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri NajibRazak announced today Putrajaya’s approval for a new pension fund, the provision of fixed allowances and gratuity for retirees, and the streamlining of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) contributions for all seven bodies, meaning employers’ contribution will be made commensurate with the duration of service.

“This is a government that hears the pulse of the people. We must put the people first,” Najib said in his speech before some 2,000 statutory body employees at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

The move came after months of negotiations between Najib’s government and workers’ unions, which at one point threatened to back the opposition should Putrajaya fail to meet the demands made since 2008, according to an anonymous union leader.

The civil service is a key vote bank for the ruling BarisanNasional (BN) coalition, which is gearing up for what is set to be its toughest election to date.Wary of a possible discontent within the public service, Najib Razak moved to placate the key voter group by agreeing to meet their demands for improved benefits as well as increasing pay.But the prime minister was quick to dismiss suggestions that his government was adopting populist measures to sustain support from the civil servants, saying today’s announcement was done after careful consideration based on economic viability.

Najib Razak said populism was a tactic favoured only by the opposition, and argued that meeting the election pledges made by Pakatan Rakyat would bankrupt the country.“If we take this populist attitude, giving everything without considering the importance of good governance, the country would descend into the valley of economic destruction,” he said.The federal opposition bloc Pakatan Rakyat (PR) had in its election manifesto promised to increase salaries both in the public and private sectors through better management of the economy.

It also promised to continue subsidising fuel and basic goods, where BN announced plans to slash subsidies amid concerns of rising public debt; PR leaders insist their welfare programmes are viable if corruption is tackled.

Najib’s government had described PR’s pledges as unrealistic, unreasonable and populist. In turn, his administration was accused of courting voters through policies such as the cash handouts under the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) that cost more than RM1 billion public funds.The BR1M programme had contributed significantly to the prime minister’s approval rating, according to a previous MerdekaCenter survey, and Najib Razak had promised to make it an annual event should BN retain power.

People’s support for BN, 1Malaysia concept gets stronger

KUALA LUMPUR: The people’s support for the government led by Barisan Nasional (BN) and the concept of 1Malaysia is getting stronger and stronger, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.He said this was proven by the survey carried out by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, where 74.2 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with BN government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Defence Minister, said 17 per cent of the respondents, however, were indecisive, while four per cent were dissatisfied.

The survey on the support for the 1Malaysia concept showed that 74.4 per cent of the respondents were satisfied, 12 per cent indecisive and five per cent, dissatisfied.

“We have also sent aid and assistance to help the people in other countries. During the tsunami in Acheh and earthquake in Padang, Malaysia was the first country to send its aid and assistance,” he said.Ahmad Zahid said Umno election machinery at all levels should play a bigger role both in reality and in cyber space.“The war trumpet has been blown, we hope the cybertroopers will be with us in countering the attacks from the opposition,” he said.

“The imperical survey done by Assoc Prof Dr Ismail Sualman was a recognised effort involving 28,788 respondents,” he said when winding-up the debate at the 2012 Umno General Assembly here today.Ahmad Zahid apart from offering its service to the people in the country, the BN government had also contributed towards world peace by assisting the Moro Islamic Libaration Front to sign a peace treaty with the Philippine government and supporting cease fire in Palestine.

On the allegation that the Royal Malay Regiment (RAMD) would be abolished should the opposition manage to rule the counrty after the 13th general election, Ahmad Zahid said the RAMD would definitely fight against the idea as they were the secret power to defend the testament of Malay rulers.He also called on the people not to insult the Malaysian Armed Forces, but to appreciate their contributions in strengthening the country’s defence and security.

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.