PM Calls For Enhancing Nation's Success In New Year Message

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Sunday extended New Year greetings to all Malaysians and called on the people, particularly of the new generation, to build on the nation's successes in 2007, which coincides with the country's 50th anniversary of independence. He also asked the people of the various communities to consolidate solidarity to amass collective strength in the pursuit of greater national progress.

"We have to strive to build on our efforts with greater determination, by utilising all the opportunities and facilities which are far better than what we have had, especially at the time when we just achieved our independence," he said in his New Year message broadcast over Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).

Abdullah said the capability of Malaysians today is far greater than that of the previous generation because the younger generation is in possession of ample knowledge. They have among them professionals, experts and researchers in various disciplines, all of whom are contributing to national development, he added. "In fact, there are more people today who have much knowledge, particularly in science and technology, and know-how associated with various professions. This only goes to show that our capability today is far greater than what we had," he said.

Abdullah said that while striving to enhance national development with the knowledge they have, the people have to understand the factors that contributed to the nation's strength to continue to enjoy peace and progress over the last 50 years. "We have to remember that inter-racial solidarity, goodwill, tolerance and consensus are very important. We have to understand and be thankful to those who had worked hard to develop our country," he said.

More importantly, the new generation has to understand and learn the methods deployed by past leaders and, before applying them, strive to improve the approach by taking into account the current situation and challenges, he said.

Abdullah said leaders of the past always worked together with community leaders, and Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders who represented the major political parties of the country always gave preference to the people and country in every action they took. "Such consensus and cooperation are woven into what has come to be known as power sharing, which has made our country a nation well respected by many," he said.

Abdullah also said that in their pursuit of the desired progress, the people must also be mindful of the competition from other countries as well as globalisation and liberalisation which demand that they work hard to enhance their ability and capability to compete. "Our ability and capability must come from mental, physical and spiritual strength. We have to acquire knowledge in various disciplines that can be beneficial to us," he said. This includes knowledge in science and technology as well as new knowledge that drives economic growth, such as information and communication technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology,

Abdullah also spoke of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP), saying that though the government has determined the framework, programmes and projects, it does not mean that the people cannot add on projects that they are convinced can bring about huge success. "They can carry out projects that they know can bring success to them, their families and the nation but it is important that they understand that all the programmes must adhere to the National Mission that we have set," he said.

Abdullah also reminded the people to be always thankful for the blessings of God. "Muslims understand that if we are thankful for God's blessings, He will shower us with more blessings.

"Most importantly, we must put in our effort ... all Malaysians have to strive for a glorious future. "Ours is a future of progress and success ... only we can determine such a future, with the strength that we build together," he said. (Bernama)
Image - Raja Faisal Hishan, fotowarung