"ONE MALAYSIA"

PM Najib's maiden speech: 'One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now.'

1. On behalf of all Malaysians, I would like to thank YABhg. Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his 31 years of exemplary public service to our country, his commitment to strengthening the institutions and fabric of our democracy and for his graceful example as our leader.

2. I am grateful to YABhg. Tun for his confidence in proposing my name as Prime Minister to Duli Yang Maha Mulia Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and I am honoured that His Majesty has consented to my appointment with this morning’s swearing-in ceremony. I feel a deep sense of humility at the opportunity to serve as your Prime Minister at an important time in our nation’s history. My life has been dedicated to public service. Growing up, I was inspired by the positive impact of public service in the example of my late father. Four decades on, I remain committed to the goals of tackling poverty; of restructuring our society; of expanding access to quality education for all; and of inspiring a new generation of young Malaysians to work on behalf of this great country. My own service in government has always been about getting results: to ensure a better deal for teachers, to improve conditions for our brave soldiers, and to strengthen our economy in defence of the people of Malaysia, as we deal with the outbreak of a global recession.

3. In the coming weeks, I will be consulting with people around our country, as I begin to reshape the leadership and priorities of the Government. I am mindful that we should build on the successes and lessons of the past. It must be a government with new approaches for new times – a government that places a priority on performance, because the people must come first.

4. We must reach out to all parts of Malaysia - to all our diverse communities. In our national discourse and in pursuing our national agenda, we must never leave anyone behind. We must reach out to the many who may have been disaffected and left confused by political games, deceit and showmanship.

We must draw on talented people across our nation, regardless of their position or background, to re-energize a passion for public service. We must sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians.

We must seek to include and unlock the potential of our young people who will be the next generation of leaders, businesspeople, engineers, scientists, teachers and doctors. We must give them wings to fly.

5. And so today, I pledge that I will work tirelessly to serve all of you.

6. In this spirit, I would like to announce that the government has decided with immediate effect, to remove the temporary ban on TWO news publications, release 13 detainees from ISA detention, and conduct a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act. Additional details will be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs shortly.

7. These decisions are timely as we move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order, while recognizing the need to remain vigilant of the very real security threats we continue to face as a young nation.

8. I know that for every citizen, these are hard times and I remain focused in providing strong leadership to lead us out of this economic crisis and unleash our full potential as a nation. I will be steadfast in my commitment to meet the needs, aspirations and concerns of all Malaysians.

9. So, today I ask you to join me in this task of renewing Malaysia. I urge us to rise to the challenge of building a One Malaysia, People First, Performance Now.

10. Let us begin this great journey together.

Source & Published: The Star Online, Friday April 3, 2009 MYT 8:16:00 PM

My Comments: Quick Actions and Steps should be taken by the Government

1. Please define, clarify, describe and explain the detail in papers, booklets and policies. Najib Abdul Razak should specify its meaning clearly to ensure people live up to his slogan. Do not keep it as the “status quo”, just change by another name. Is it similar with the "One Singapore" and the Indonesian concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika? Do not speak as this claim has troubled Barisan Nasional politicians aiming to regroup after the coalition’s disastrous Election year, 2008 outing. ‘Satu Malaysia versi sebenar’ should be practical.

2. His government should gain mutual trust and respect of all races and communities for national unity and integration to recapture the people’s confidence. He should end up worsening the country’s fractured by race relations. The inclusive government must really respect the human rights. Furthermore, all ministries and ministers must take immediate action, word and integrity. Reforms should be drastically simplified in various government policies and institutions, especially in an independent judiciary and respectable police force. The Internal Security Act (ISA) should be abolished for the sake of Malaysia as a whole.

3. He should continue to propagate the human capital development of all Malaysian as many communities such as Indians in the country were being marginalized. The government has to figure out various programmes and people’s needs, opportunities or demands for all communities and all systems refuse to allow any discrimination and in favour or corruption. All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination.

4. Economy recovery plan must really works and the stimulus package reaching the entire sectors of economy and people. Minimum steps necessary to give business investors confidence in the Malaysian economy. This is seen as a real test for Najib.

5. Umno is seen as a party that is far more dominant than other component parties. UMNO should not dominate the sharing power but work closely with the all party components, oppositions and all state governments with due respect and manners to develop Malaysia. The Najib's cabinet should recognise the contributions made by Malaysians of all races and state governments towards the development.

6. The government must listen to the rakyat’s voice and to allow freedom and speech in all media agencies and arenas. I sincerely agree to get the best people’s feedback or input is to allow open discussion and criticism. Do not let down everyone. I still in doubt, are we politically mature enough?

And even if we should not be able to agree, let us do so in a way which will make the world safe and secure still in our diversity - John F Kennedy