What Has PM Najib Razak Been Saying About Malaysia To Americans?
PM Najib Razak is convinced that Malaysia is well on its way to becoming a highly developed nation by the year 2020.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 30 Sep 2015, 01:59 AM
Politicians, in general, possess the amazing ability to come up with the most articulate and interesting responses when speaking about anything in general.
Recently, while Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was on an official trip to the United States of America, to attend the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, along with some other global conferences, he managed to get our attention with some interesting quotes about our country's general growth and current state:
1. On speaking about the growth of economy in Malaysia
Najib was quoted as saying this while speaking at the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in New York, yesterday.
The Malaysian premier, reaffirmed his plans to be as inclusive as possible in the government's efforts to ensure Malaysia reaches the high income nation status by 2020, while making promises on improving healthcare facilities and services along with providing more affordable housing for fellow Malaysians.
The rising prices of housing in Malaysia have been heatedly discussed by Malaysians, especially the younger generation that are eager to start investing in properties. The current ruling government has in turn ensured that they are working towards building cheaper houses under the PR1MA - Skim Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia plan.
2. On putting Malaysians first
While stressing on how Malaysia is doing exceptionally well economically, especially compared to the 1998 Asian economic crisis, Najib enlightened both the foreign leaders and Malaysians on how his main focus would always be the people of Malaysia and their well-being.
He also spoke about the success of national policies, in particular the National Transformation Policy, that led to a decline in poverty rate to 0.6 percent in 2014.
Malaysia was also ranked 12th out of 60 countries in the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014.
malaysiakini.com
With that said, the dipping Malaysian currency stood at a 4.4299 MYR against the US dollar as of 28 September 2015.
3. On ensuring Vision 2020 is achieved
Najib, when speaking at the Agenda 2030 Summit yesterday, shared his views and concerns on how, despite how far the world has come, a staggering number of 800 million people from across the world are still going through unimaginable poverty.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the Malaysian government's achievements in reducing the poverty rate in the country from 49.3 perfect in 1970 to only 0.6 percent by 2014 on our journey to becoming a first-world nation.
4. On practicing transparency in all country related matters
Najib said this while speaking at the 5th Global Science and Innovation Advisory Council (GSIAC) in Manhattan, New York, yesterday.
PM Najib Razak has been under harsh criticism by various prominent political leaders, influential members of the community and Malaysians, for allegedly mismanaging the state-owned 1MDB fund and getting involved in the infamous RM2.6 billion corruption case.
Things started taking a sour turn after the allegations started pouring in as Najib kept his silence despite being urged to pledge his innocence against the accusations and coming clean.
5. On being the first and only prime minister to date, who has played golf with US president Barack Obama
In the midst of a messy foreign intervention by various members of the United States government to investigate the brewing corruption cases in Malaysia tied to PM Najib and his family, the Malaysian premier has gleefully spoke about his status as the only prime minister to have played golf with popular American president.
"I did it because I thought it is a very positive way in which we can develop a personal relationship with the US president. I did it for Malaysia, I did it for my people.
"Unfortunately, the timing was wrong, I didn't get any political dividends," he said to laughter from the audience during a meet-and-greet session with Malaysian students in New York yesterday.
malaysiakini.com
6. On speaking about unity
"These groups are the problem, not Muslims," he said.
Having made this statement about discarding race and religion in uniting the world as one, Najib was recently seen condoning the racially slanted rally, Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu. The rally has since ignited racial issues in the country.
7. On speaking against Islamophobia
Datuk Seri Najib Razak today condemned the practice of Islamophobia, calling it a form of oppression and discrimination against Muslims.
He said any attempts to link Islam with terrorism should not be tolerated, as more terrorist activities were carried out by non-Muslim groups.
“Israel’s attacks on Palestine is a form of terrorism. In fact, this form of oppression is larger in scale and has lasted for many decades.” “The use of nuclear and chemical bombs, which kill millions, is also a form of terrorism.”
Just days before Najib expressed his thoughts on nuclear and chemical weapons, describing them as a form of terrorism, Russian Minister of Economic Development Alexei Ulyukayev said last week, that they are more than ready to assist the Malaysian government should we decide to start our own nuclear program.
8. On improving the lives of single mothers
Najib, when speaking during a discussion on gender equality and women empowerment at the United Nation headquarters, yesterday, stressed that the Malaysian government is determined to change the lives of single mothers that are ridden with multiple jobs and difficulties to make ends meet.
Talking about how women are the key to a Malaysia's future and success, Najib mentioned about the Career Comeback Programme, which will be implemented to provide more opportunities and ensure that new mothers rejoin the workforce.
9. On being more selective with online content
With news portals and newspapers mushrooming in the country, Najib advised young Malaysians to think wisely before believing what the articles say.
PM Najib Razak has been rather vocal lately. Earlier this month, he urged Malaysians to drop their suggestions for Budget 2016:
Najib was more than happy to give the green light for the "red shirts" rally. Contradictory to that, a whole different story transpired post Bersih 4.0: