PM announces more benefits to staff of statutory bodies

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 40,000 employees of seven Government statutory organisations are set to enjoy benefits such as pension and housing allowance.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced yesterday that a pension fund would be set up for the staff of Bank Simpanan Nasional, Inland Revenue Board (IRB), Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera, Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), Socso, Tabung Haji and the Ex-Servicemens Affairs Corporation (Perhebat).

Other benefits include standardising employers' EPF contributions, fixed housing allowances and gratuity for retirees.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said the move was in response to requests made by the organisations last month.

“As a Government that listens to the people, feels the pulse of the rakyat and takes care of their welfare, I am glad to announce the setting up of a pension fund for staff at these statutory bodies,” he said in his address to 8,000 workers at Putra World Trade Centre.

PM conveys Police Day greetings

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday conveyed Police Day greetings to all Royal Malaysia Police personnel.

Najib, through his Twitter, expressed his appreciation for the police for always ensuring the safety of the country and the people.

On Monday, the prime minister inspected a guard-of-honour and watched a parade by 1,300 police officers and men in conjunction with the 206th Police Day at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol), here.

At the event, Najib also presented to the next-of-kin a one-rank posthumous promotion for the eight policemen slain by Sulu terrorists in Sabah. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

People from all walks of life cycle and walk together at Jom Ceria

Excited crowd: Najib greeting participants during the Jom Ceria event at Dataran Putrajaya.

 
PUTRAJAYA: Thousands of people spent their morning walking and cycling together, displaying the 1Malaysia spirit.

Participants of the Jom Ceria (Let's be Cheerful) came bright and early, gathering at the starting line at Dataran Putrajaya by 7.30am yesterday as they awaited the arrival of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The crowd, wearing T-shirts bearing the 1Malaysia logo, lived up to the event's name, cheering and waving miniature Malaysian flags as Najib arrived with his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Najib said such events were instrumental in bringing the people closer as the country works towards igniting the spirit of community among Malaysians.

“If we can break down barriers that divide Malaysians of different race and creed, we will become a more united people guided by the principles of 1Malaysia.

“A country that plays together, stays together,” he told the crowd.

Cabbies get private permits and cheaper Exora

PUTRAJAYA: Taxi drivers who receive new individual permits can look forward to having their own vehicles under a special rebate scheme by the Government for a new purpose-built Proton Exora.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said this was part of the Government's move to make good on its promise to issue 1,000 individual licences to taxi drivers, besides encouraging the development of a more efficient public transportation system.

“For every taxi driver given an individual licence, I think we should make it compulsory for them to buy an Exora through Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia, which will give a RM5,000 grant for each new taxi.

“This means the price for a new Exora will go down from RM64,000 to RM59,000,” he said to cheers from some 6,000 taxi drivers present at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre to witness the presentation of the first batch of 200 individual licences to new driver-owners.

Najib said the scheme would not only include a new car that is factory outfitted with an NGV tank, but also comprehensive insurance coverage to provide taxi drivers with better protection.

Hosting F1 has put Malaysia on world map, says Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (second from right) with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (third from right) at Sepang on Sunday. -Bernama

 

SEPANG: Hosting the F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix has paid dividends, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“It is a good event for us because it puts Malaysia on the world map,” he told reporters yesterday after the race at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).

“It shows that Malaysia can host an international event of this stature. We are pleased with the support from the local and international community. It is a positive event for Malaysia.”

When asked whether the contract to host the race would be extended beyond 2015, he said: “We will seriously look into it because we have to look into the terms. We will make a decision when the time comes.”

Najib said it was good that Mercedes AMG Petronas driver Lewis Hamilton had a podium finish while his teammate Nico Rosberg came in fourth.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said bringing Formula 1 to Malaysia had “more than met my initial target”, adding that he hoped the race would be extended beyond 2015.

“I didn't expect three Malaysian teams to be racing,” he said.

Najib announces RM3m donation to Sek Men Chong Hwa Kuantan

KUANTAN, March 23 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight announced a RM3 million government donation for the building fund of proposed private Sekolah Menengah Chong Hwa here.

It is an addition to the RM2 million given by the government earlier for the same purpose.

Najib said the establishment of the school was a win-win situation as it was in line with the National Education Policy and fulfilled the request of the Chinese community.

“Let no one have any doubt that at Sekolah Menengah Chong Hwa the students will take two examinations – the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) – together.

“This means that subjects will be taught fully in Mandarin in the UEC curriculum and the students will also study subjects under the national curriculum,” he said at a dinner and charity show to raise funds for the construction of the school, at the Darul Makmur Stadium, here.

The school, which was approved as a private institution on July 26 last year, is the first Chinese private school in Pahang.

On May 20 last year, a gathering was held of 163 Chinese associations and several NGOs to ask the government to approve the establishment of the school in Kuantan.

There are currently 60 Chinese private schools in the country, except Pahang. Various charity activities were held in several states to raise funds for the building of the school. – Bernama

(Source: The Malaysian Insider)

PM Najib: Small village serves as 'role model' for transformation

Villagers welcoming Najib as he arrives at Kampung Tanjung Besar

 

LIPIS: Little-known Kampung Tanjung Besar here will serve as the country's role model in transforming rural developments into modern agro-culture townships.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the "Rimbunan Kaseh" integrated community project was another milestone of the Government Transformation Programme.

Najib said the first batch of 70 participants saw their monthly income increase by 100% to RM1,000 via their involvement in agriculture and agro-culture farming.

"Latest techniques using autopot technology is applied in the planting of golden melons.

"There is the rearing of Omega 3-rich jade perch fish from Australia, which are then exported to Singapore.

Najib: 1,000 taxi permit recipients to get RM5,000 grant to buy Proton Exora

PUTRAJAYA: Some 1,000 recipients of individual taxi permits will receive a RM5,000 grant to buy the Proton Exora MPV, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today.


He said all taxi drivers who received the individual permits were obliged to buy that vehicle for use as the taxi.

"This is another commitment of the government to ensure that taxi drivers can use a suitable vehicle for the convenience and comfort of passengers," he said at the distribution of individual taxi permits at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here.

At the event, the prime minister handed over individual taxi permits to 200 recipients. The rest of the permits would be given away by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).

Also present at the event were Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, who is the patron of the Pertubuhan Teksi Malaysia, and SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar.

Najib: Youths need to spend more time outdoors

Najib delivering his speech at the Jom Ceria mass cycling and walking event on Sunday in Putrajaya.

 

PUTRAJAYA: Youths need to put their smartphones down and start spending more time outdoors, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said Malaysia now faces the grim reality of non-communicable diseases becoming more prevalent due to the lack of physical activity among the young.

"Youths spend hours in front of their computers, their laptops and their smartphones and don't do any exercise, that is the lifestyle of today and we are now faced with problems like obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

"This is the reality that we now face," he said in his speech before the launching the Jom Ceria mass cycling and walking event on Sunday.

Thousands of Malaysians from all walks of life turned up early for the event, which will cover a distance of 12km for cyclists and 5km for walkers.

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib is all praise for Jackie Chan

Najib and Chan on stage at the fund-raising dinner for SM Chong Hwa in Kuantan on Saturday

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Jackie Chan. A man for all seasons.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is all praise for the Hong Kong movie superstar for contributing much of his time and money to various charities throughout the years.

He said Chan's appearance at the SM Chong Hwa fund-raising dinner in Kuantan on Saturday night was no exception.

Through the auctioning of various merchandise belonging to the martial arts icon, the proceeds will go towards the construction of the school, he said.

"It was a pleasure to be at Stadium Darul Makmur yesterday night, together with Jackie Chan, a renowned superstar, philanthropist and role model to Chinese people worldwide," Najib said in his latest Facebook post.

He said the government acknowledged the importance of education to the Chinese community and various initiatives were implemented towards ensuring they were not left out in the nation's development.

Three cheers for yearly BR1M

Welcome relief: Anthony is glad to know that he will be able to apply for BR1M even though he is unmarried.

 

PETALING JAYA: The Prime Minister's announcement that the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) will be given annually has been greeted with “three cheers” all around.

Single mother Ranee, 51, who earns RM1,000 a month as a cleaner, said she was happy to receive the RM500 cash aid.
 
“I am saving it for my 13-year-old son's educational needs,'' she added.

Single Mothers Association of Federal Territory and Selangor president Sharifah Kamariah Syed Ibrahim said that in addition to cash, more skills training should be provided.

“Then we can be self-sufficient,” she said.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced on Tuesday that BR1M for households earning RM3,000 and less a month would be given yearly.

He said this while presenting the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Annual Report 2012.

Positive outlook for Malaysian economy

ll in the numbers: Zeti presenting the Bank Negara Malaysia Annual Report 2012 and Financial Stability and Payment Systems Report 2012.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian economy is expected to grow steadily at 5% to 6% in 2013, thanks to strong domestic demand, robust private investment and a better global outlook.

Bank Negara Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz expects growth to be sustained on the back of higher domestic demand and an improvement on the exports front as the global economy recovers.

She added that last year's better-than-expected 5.6% full-year growth came despite a weaker global economic environment.

Zeti said private investments were expected to grow 15.6% this year, led by investments in the services sector while private consumption growth would remain firm at 7.1% backed by income growth and stable employment prospects.

Dasar Transformasi Negara Berjaya

Sejak mula dilantik menjadi Perdana Menteri pada 2009, saya bertekad untuk meneruskan perjuangan pemimpin-pemimpin sebelum ini yang sentiasa komited untuk memastikan Malaysia terus cemerlang hari demi hari. Sebab itulah, saya telah perkenalkan gagasan 1Malaysia yang mengamalkan prinsip Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan.

Untuk memastikan setiap apa yang dilakukan oleh Kerajaan membuahkan hasil dan dapat memberi manfaat kepada rakyat, saya telah perkenalkan Program Transformasi Kerajaan (GTP) dan Program Transformasi Ekonomi (ETP). 

Kedua-dua program ini diperkenalkan pada 2010 serta 2011 dan ia diwujudkan bersama-sama Program Transformasi Politik dan Program Transformasi Sosial yang membentuk Dasar Transformasi Nasional. Kesemua insiatif tersebut diperkenalkan bertujuan bagi memastikan negara mencapai matlamat menjadi sebuah negara berpendapatan tinggi menjelang 2020.

GTP/ETP ANNUAL REPORT 2013

By	:	DATO' SRI MOHD NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA
Venue	:	ANGKASAPURI, KUALA LUMPUR
Date	:	19/03/2013
Title	:	GTP/ETP ANNUAL REPORT

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, Salam Sejahtera dan Salam 1Malaysia
Rakyat Malaysia yang dikasihi,

1. Pada malam ini saya berdiri di hadapan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan bagi pihak diri saya selaku ketua kerajaan dan bagi pihak rakan-rakan dalam Jemaah Menteri bagi membentangkan hasil perkembangan prakarsa Program Transformasi Kerajaan atau GTP dan Program Transformasi Ekonomi atau ETP.

2. Kedua-dua prakarsa bermula masing-masing pada tahun 2010 dan 2011 adalah bersama-sama dengan Program Transformasi Politik atau PTP dan Program Transformasi Sosial atau PTS. Ia membentuk Dasar Transformasi Nasional bagi memacu Malaysia ke arah pencapaian wawasan kebangsaan, menjadi sebuah negara maju berpendapatan tinggi, menjelang tahun dua ribu dua puluh.

3. Alhamdullilah, suka saya melaporkan kepada rakyat Malaysia bahawa dengan berkat kerjasama dan usaha gigih semua pihak sama ada rakyat terbanyak, pihak swasta, penjawat awam mahupun anggota pentadbiran, sebahagian besar matlamat yang telah dirancang berjaya dicapai. Kesannya, taraf dan kualiti hidup rakyat semakin baik, ekonomi negara semakin makmur manakala keadaan kewangan kerajaan terus bugar.

4. Perancangan dan pelaksanaan ETP dan GTP bukan sahaja membuktikan iltizam kerajaan terhadap falsafah pemandu negara 1Malaysia, Rakyat Didahulukan, Pencapaian Diutamakan, tetapi ia juga merupakan eksperimen paling berani yang pernah dilaksanakan oleh mana-mana kerajaan di dunia dalam mengamalkan prinsip ketelusan dan kepertanggungjawaban.

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,

5. Rakyat terbanyak serta semua pihak yang berkepentingan boleh, melalui proses perundingan dibuat menyumbang melalui makmal-makmal yang diadakan dalam proses pembentukan GTP dan ETP. Mereka juga mampu menilai pencapaian kedua-dua prakarsa ini melalui laporan tahunan dan laporan berkala yang dikeluarkan dari semasa ke semasa.

6. Mungkin ada yang bertanya, bagaimana rojak kependekan ini mampu menyentuh kehidupan kita? GTP, ETP, NKRA, NKEA, EPP? Apa hubungkaitnya dengan tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekelian? Jawapannya ialah, semuanya dirangka serta digubal bagi meningkatkan kesejahteraan seluruh rakyat Malaysia secara terancang.

7. Sesungguhnya lagi, semua prakarsa ini, tidak lain dan tidak bukan, ialah langkah kerajaan untuk membolehkan setiap rakyat Malaysia mendapat akses kepada yang terbaik dalam kehidupan. Pekerjaan dengan pendapatan yang setimpal di mana, semakin tinggi kemahiran dan kepakaran yang dimiliki, semakin tinggi pula ganjarannya.

8. Pendidikan yang bermutu bermula dari pra sekolah lagi, untuk mengoptimakan potensi diri, perkhidmatan kesihatan yang terbaik, prasarana awam yang mencukupi dan pemilikan rumah yang selesa serta berkemampuan untuk berlindung dan membesarkan anak-anak.

9. Jelasnya, kerajaan ini ialah kerajaan yang bertanggungjawab. Kerajaan ini ialah kerajaan yang menepati janji. Kerajaan ini ialah kerajaan yang meletakkan maslahah serta kesejahteraan rakyat di atas segala-galanya. Sebab itulah sebelum berjanji kepada rakyat, kita telah mengkaji, pertamanya, adakah janji yang diberikan kepada rakyat itu akan mendatangkan faedah dan tidak memudaratkan, sama ada untuk jangka pendek, sederhana atau panjang. Keduanya, adakah janji yang dibuat tersebut mampu untuk kita tunaikan? Bukannya janji sekadar janji.

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan,

The next mission is to improve perception of crime rate

Welcome aid: Ipoh Barat MCA division chairman Datuk Tan Chin Meng (left) handing out the BR1M 2.0 payment to 81-yearold Yong Yow Choy (centre) and his wife Wong Ah Keng, 75, at Glamour Square Shopping Centre in Bercham.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Some 4.18 million households have benefited from the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) programme, which was started to help the people cope with the rising cost of living.

According to the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) Annual Report 2012, BR1M has helped more households in the country than initially targeted.

“The original target, based on the Statistics Department’s Household Income Survey 2009/10, was 3.4 million households,” said the report, adding that the actual number of recipients was more than 4.17 million households, which was 22.91% higher.

Under the BR1M programme, households earning RM3,000 and less a month are each given a one-off cash assistance of RM500.

This was further extended with a RM250 assistance covering single unmarried persons aged 21 and above and earning not more than RM2,000 a month.

Another initiative under the NKRA for rising cost of living is the 1Malaysia People’s Welfare Aid (KAR1SMA) cash assistance ranging from RM100 to RM450 to recipients who include senior citizens, the disabled, single mothers and widows of police and military personnel.

The report said some RM1.4bil in KAR1SMA aid was distributed last year.

The GTP also offers programmes providing basic needs at affordable costs, through the 1Malaysia Clinic and Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M). As of Dec 31 last year, 168 1Malaysia clinics provided medical care at a nominal fee of RM1. The target in 2013 is to establish 80 more such clinics.

Meanwhile, 59 KR1M stores were set up last year, offering essential goods at 30% to 40% lower than prices at conventional stores.

As for the second phase of KR1M, residents in rural areas will see its goods being distributed to “Mom and Pop” stores in various districts. The target for KR1M is to establish 50 stores every year until 2015.

(Source: The Star Online)

GTP moves to the next phase

PETALING JAYA: With the first phase of the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) having been successfully executed, the initiative now moves into second gear.

If GTP 1.0 was akin to kick-starting a dormant engine, GTP 2.0 will continue with the momentum built.

The first phase of the programme in 2010 kick-started changes to the civil service and government structure through the National Key Results Areas (NKRA).

The second, from now until 2015, will build on the successes of the first phase by deepening and broadening reforms to complete the transformation of the civil service, according to the GTP Annual Report 2012.

“The first horizon of the GTP may prove to be the most challenging of the three, as the NKRA teams were charged with the monumental task of introducing and inculcating the spirit of sustainable change within the very foundations of the civil service,” it said.

The report added that the task had not been easy with the NKRA teams reporting some resistance from government bodies as anticipated, but concluded that GTP 1.0 had been successful.

“GTP 2.0 looks to further enhance and build on the initiatives established in GTP 1.0 by synthesising lessons learned with new targets to be attained over the next three years,” it said.

(Source: The Star Online)

GE13: Choose a government that can be trusted, rakyat urged

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has made an impassioned call on the rakyat to choose a government that is transformative and one that has proven to be trustworthy, reliable and can carry their aspirations for a prosperous and progressive Malaysia.

The Prime Minister said the time had almost come for the people to choose the way forward for the country for the next five years.

Their choice, he said, was between the government of today, which had proven its worth and was working hard to create a better future for them, and an Opposition which took the people's trust lightly and made new promises without delivering on those made earlier.

“On behalf of the Government, I have presented a report on what has been done over the past three years. I am confident the people can see, listen, evaluate and even feel the effects of our work.

“The time for the rakyat to make a choice is almost here. The choice (they have to make) is about trustworthiness, about hope, the future, the continuity of Malaysia's success story and about promises fulfilled,” he said when launching the Pemandu annual report last night.

All Msians feel progress of transformation policy - PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight tabled an impressive "report card" from the implementation of the ambitious national transformation programme which has benefited Malaysians from all strata of society.

He said the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the Economic Transformation Programme which support Malaysia's vision to emerge as a high-income advanced nation in its own mould is the prime goal and not merely economic indicators.

"I believe the people not only can see, hear and evaluate what has been implemented, but also feel the impact," he said when launching the National Transformation Progamme Annual Report tonight.

"I would like to report to the people that with the coooperation and the hardwork of all parties, be they the masses, the private sector, civil servants and members of the administration, the bulk of the planned objectives have been achieved," he said.

Government’s transformation policies have greatly benefited Malaysians

PETALING JAYA: The people have benefited greatly from the Government's national transformation policy which has seen family income grow from RM4,025 in 2009 to RM5,000 a month in four years, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Unveiling a glowing report card that listed achievements since he took office in April 2009, the Prime Minister stressed on the importance of the nation having an effective government that delivers on its promises to the rakyat.

Thanks to hard work, dedication and cooperation from all parties, a better standard and quality of life for the people had been attained with the economy progressing while government finances remained healthy, he said.

The Prime Minister said his administration deserved a strong mandate to turn Malaysia into a high-income nation.

He announced that the BR1M cash aid initiative for the low-income group, which started last year, would be an annual affair.

Help us win S’gor, Najib tells Indians

KLANG: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today pledged to establish a ‘Little India’ in Klang and permit Hindu altars in private residentials should Indians help Barisan Nasional to recapture Selangor in the upcoming polls.

Rolling out a string of goodies at a MIC-organised rally in Meru today, Najib also took a swipe at the Pakatan Rakyat-led state government for allegedly demolishing seven Hindu temples in their five-year rule.

“The difference between Pakatan and BN is, we gave huge allocations to the Hindu houses of worship, whereas they had destructed seven temples,  including an altar built in a private house in Sepang.

“We would like to ask them, under what reason and authority do they have to demolish a private altar?” he asked, in reference to the demolition done by Sepang Municipal Council last November.

Najib presents BN’s report card in ‘State of the Union’ tomorrow

BN is banking on Najib to pull its candidates in the general election through, not the other way round.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 — In keeping with a presidential approach to politics, Datuk Seri Najib Razak will table his Barisan Nasional’s (BN) report card of initiatives and achievements in a “State of the Union” speech tomorrow night, say government officials.

His party officials and critics have pointed to Najib’s presidential-style campaign since taking office in 2009 as a key factor to get votes in BN’s Election 2013 campaign. The election is expected to be held within a month.

Calling it a “State of Union” speech similar to that done in the United States, ministers and officials say Najib will speak on achievements made in both the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and Government Transformation Programme (GTP) that began in 2010.

“There will be economic and social markers to show how far we have come under the ETP and GTP. That is BN’s track record,” a minister told The Malaysian Insider on condition of anonymity.

Najib: PNB staff to get additional month's bonus for 2012

SERDANG: Staff of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) will receive another month's salary bonus for 2012.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the bonus should spur the staff to work hard and ensure that achievements of the past 35 years could be continued.

"This bonus is on top of the bonus for 2012. I also encourage companies in the PNB group that do well to consider giving the same to staff.

"I hope with the remuneration, the staff will work even harder," he said at PNB'S 35th anniversary dinner here on Sunday.

Najib also announced that 2,474 children of PNB staff, aged below 23 years, will receive RM1,000 each in the form of Amanah Saham 1Malaysia units this year.

Two services related to inheritance unit trust, Hibah Amanah and Pengistiharan Amanah, under Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASBN) were also launched.

Najib: Govt committed to continue empowering women

PUTRAJAYA: The government is committed to continue empowering women in the country towards ensuring their full potential can be realised and enhanced, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said the government not only recognised their importance but had included them in mainstream development and in transforming the country. 

 

"In our history... in the struggle for independence... in our struggle after independence...in our struggle to achieve the nation's vision...women played an important role towards achieving the aspirations and goals of the country.

 

"That is why we are gathered here today, to trigger waves among women, so that women come forward and in turn raise the spirit, that national aspirations cannot be achieved without the empowerment of women throughout the country," he said when launching the 1 Million Women Purple Walk 2013, here .

 

Also present were the Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim and Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa. 

Women to be ‘eyes and ears of government’, says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the 1 Million Women Purple Walk 2013 at Dataran Putrajaya today.

PUTRAJAYA, March 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched a women community group programme today to enable women to report crime and threats to national security.

The 1 Malaysia Perwani Community programme, which aims to set up 100,000 Perwani groups throughout Malaysia comprising 10 to 20 women each, will be linked to organisations like the Police Families Association (Perkep), the Malaysian Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (Bakat) and the Wives of Civil Servants and Women Civil Servants Association (Puspanita).

“The role of the Perwani group is to be the eyes and ears of the government in fighting crime and threats to national security,” said Najib in a speech at the One Million Women Purple Walk event at Dataran Putrajaya here today.

Najib: Perwani will act as transformation agent to help women in various sectors

PUTRAJAYA: “Purple Power” ripped across the country with hundreds of thousands of purple-clad women walking in support of the slew of national initiatives to empower them.

The 1Million Women Purple Walk started at Putrajaya Square yesterday and flagged off by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

This was followed up with similar events at the state-level which drew an all-out response.

A 100,000-strong women's assembly, named as the 1Malaysia Perwani Community, is to act as a national community transformation agent.

The Prime Minister, who wore a purple shirt in support of the nationwide exercise, said Perwani would be broken into small groups of between 10 and 20 women to help women in education, business and also crime prevention.

GE13: PM confident of Indian community’s support for BN

Full house: Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor attending the MIC function in Klang. With them is Palanivel.

 

KLANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is confident that the people, especially the Indian community, will choose Barisan Nasional to continue to govern Malaysia.

He said this view was based on the people's positive feedback to Barisan during the coalition's numerous meet-the-people programmes, which were held across the country for the past several years.

In a speech to a crowd of more than 50,000 people attending an MIC function here yesterday, Najib said the people, especially the Indian community, had shown tremendous support towards him and the party when he met them during public events.

“The Indian community realises that the Opposition had played them out. The Opposition had promised a lot of stuff before 2008 (the last general election), but not everything came true.

“Now, the Opposition has released a copy of their manifesto. What difference is it going to make? It is just another bunch of lies.

40,000 have undergone free medical check-ups

PETALING JAYA: About 40,000 workers have undergone free Health Screening Programme (HSP) medical check-ups provided by the Social Security Organisation (Socso) so far, its chief executive officer Datuk K. Selvarajah said.

He added that there was an increase in requests to redeem the vouchers from workers following the announcement that eligible workers would be given vouchers by Socso through their employers starting from this month.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam had earlier announced that the free health screening initiative for some two million private sector employees will kick off on Jan 1.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced in Budget 2013 that RM200mil would be allocated for Socso contributors to get free medical check-ups.

Selvarajah said there were a few teething problems when the scheme was launched but they were successfully resolved.

“Several private clinics were unable to register with Socso to conduct the free medical check-ups due to problems in the IT system. However, we are now using a new computer server and this problem has been rectified,” he told The Star.

Selvarajah said that so far some 3,000 private clinics had registered.

Conversation with the PM

(Source: YouTube)

Susu 1Malaysia Tamil

 

Source: Najib Razak YouTube Channel

450 pupils start the day right with Dutch Lady

BIDOR: SJK (C) Choong Hua 2 pupils, here, learnt why it was important not to skip breakfast.

They also enjoyed a complete breakfast of egg mayo and peanut butter raisin cereal sandwiches with milk, courtesy of Dutch Lady Milk Industries Bhd.

About 450 pupils received the tasty meals packs and learnt from the talks on the importance of good nutrition, which also taught them how to make healthy meal choices for optimal physical and mental growth.

The pupils were also encouraged to drink one to three glasses of milk or other dairy products every day as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Kuntum magazines were distributed to the schoolchildren.


Dutch Lady brand manager and nutritionist Quah Ye Vian said, the programme was part of the Back to School campaign with the objective of heightening Malaysian students' awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits.

"We have been distributing milk to schools under Program Susu Sekolah 1Malaysia (PS1M) since 2010. We have also been educating the students on the importance of milk and good nutrition.

Barisan cautiously optimistic over elections, says Najib

PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional is cautiously optimistic on its performance in the coming general election, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

However, the Prime Minister said the Barisan is not taking anything for granted.

“We believe the people are with the Government and they feel that their future is more secure with Barisan,” he said during the Conversation with the PM programme aired over TV3 last night.

When asked on when he would call for the elections, Najib said he wanted to show to the people the Government’s achievements through various initiatives under the transformation agenda.

“It does take time (to show results of the various initiatives). I’m pleased that the outcome is positive.

“When we seek fresh mandate from people, we will be going on a very solid track record that we can show to the people that we have delivered to the rakyat,” he said.

Najib: The best yet to come for Malaysia

Najib: Malaysia's potential as "simply enormous"

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says he has never worked so hard as he believed "we can do so much and bring Malaysia to greater heights."

Calling on Malaysians to have faith in the Barisan Nasional government to achieve a better future, he said although Malaysia had achieved significant economic growth, the best had yet to come.

"This is a time for us to put our faith in the government with a solid track record, a very clear plan for the future and one that has been able to deliver," he said in the Conversation with the PM programme aired over TV3.

Najib said the people should not gamble away their future by experimenting with an opposition comprising parties with markedly different agendas.

Najib to attend mammoth Selangor MIC gathering in Meru

PETALING JAYA: Selangor MIC will hold a mammoth gathering in Meru, Klang tomorrow which will be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

MIC secretary-general Datuk S. Murugesan said the gathering would be held at SMK Meru's field at 2pm.

“The gathering is held to motivate the state's MIC and Barisan Nasional members before they prepare to face the elections,” said Murugesan yesterday.

He added that the highlight of the evening would be speeches by Najib and party president Datuk G. Palanivel.

The event starts at 2pm and will go on until 7pm with the Prime Minister attending the gathering at 5.30pm.

“We are expecting him to make an announcement pertaining to the Indian community,” said Murugesan.

He said Selangor MIC decided to organise the gathering as there was a good chance for Barisan to wrest the state back from Pakatan Rakyat.

“People have returned to the Barisan fold because they are fed up with the Pakatan state government,” said Murugesan.

He said similar gatherings would be held in Perak and Kedah if there was sufficient time to do so before the elections.

(Source: The Star Online)

‘Tukar’ for a better life, Najib tells Kelantan

Hands full: People crowding to meet Najib during his visit in Tanah Merah. — Bernama

 

KUALA KRAI: The time has come for the people of Kelantan to experience definite changes that can only be brought about by Barisan Nasional, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“Tukar”, or change was the message the Prime Minister brought with him during his visit to the state yesterday, which many see as the last before the 13th general election.

He said the winds of change were evident in Kelantan and the time for it to happen might come soon.

“Judging from the crowd's response, I believe there will be positive changes in this state.

RM3bil reclamation deal off Johor

The quiet town of Tanjung Piai where fishing is a main activity.

The quiet town of Tanjung Piai where fishing is a main activity.

 

OVER the week, Benalec Holdings Bhd has secured a major offtaker (a party taking up the offer) for 404.7ha of reclaimable land off Tanjung Piai, at the southern tip of Johor. Sources have estimated the value of the off-taking contract at RM2.5bil to RM3bil.

In an announcement to Bursa Malaysia, Benalec said its 70%-owned unit, Spektrum Kukuh Sdn Bhd (SKSB), had entered into a binding term sheet with the State Secretary, Johor (Inc) and 1MY Strategic Oil Terminal Sdn Bhd “to undertake the reclamation works and sale of about 404.7ha off the coast of Tanjung Piai for the purpose of constructing and operating a crude oil and petroleum storage facility together with a private jetty”.

1MY is a vehicle formed to construct, commission, operate and maintain an oil and petroleum storage facility at Tanjung Piai. A formal sales and purchase agreement (SPA) is to be executed within three months of the term sheet subject to finalisation of all the details.

Najib congratulates Pope Francis

Pope Francis from Argentina was elected the 266th Holy Roman Pontiff and became the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Friday congratulated Pope Francis on his appointment as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

"On behalf of the Malaysian Government and the people of Malaysia, in particular Malaysians of the Roman Catholic faith, I am pleased to extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on Your Holiness' election as the 266th Holy Roman Pontiff," he said in his letter to the Pope.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that the diplomatic relations established in 2011 between Malaysia and the Holy See, the universal government of the Catholic Church, would continue to prosper and strengthen under Pope Francis' papacy.

Pilot phase of 1Malaysia Family Care to provide aid to those in need

SABAK BERNAM: Some 36,000 single mothers, senior citizens and the disabled have benefited from the pilot phase of 1Malaysia Family Care.

Jointly carried out by the Health Ministry and the Women, Family and Community Ministry, the programme is aimed at providing economic, social and health-screening activities for single mothers, senior citizens and the disabled.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, when launching the programme yesterday, said healthcare was a sector which should be given priority.

He said the programme was multi-dimensional and holistic and would cover all aspects of the target group's welfare.

Najib stressed that healthcare was as important as national security.

“Spain's economy is in recession; they can only claim to be champions of the World Cup. Malaysia does not want to be a World Cup champion. Even if we did, I don't think we can win it.

“But what is more important is that we are the champion at enriching the people,” he said.

Later in Kuala Langat, Najib said that aside from the country's security forces, it was the people who stood by the Government that made Malaysia a strong nation.

IM4U plates launched

Young talents: Najib taking a closer look at some of the children’s drawings during an event at Saujana Utama in Kuala Selangor.

 

SUBANG JAYA: Fancy a “IM4U” number plate?

Now, vehicle owners can get one for themselves from next week after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the IM4U vehicle registration numbers in conjunction with the 1Malaysia For Youth movement.

There will be 9,999 numbers up for grabs, with Najib getting the IM4U 11 number, as 11 is his favourite number.

“I hope the sale of the registration numbers can generate funds to support the IM4U activities,” the prime minister said at the IM4U Reach Out Youth and Volunteerism Convention at Taylor's University here yesterday.

The Road Transport Department will handle the open bidding for 68 of the premium IM4U registration numbers.

The other numbers will be up for sale at a fixed price to be confirmed through the www.platim4u.com from March 10.

There is also no criteria over who is eligible for the registration numbers.

Meanwhile, Najib urged the youths to look beyond themselves and to commit to ideals that are bigger than themselves.

“This is beyond the colour of the skin. We can all contribute so much to society and I hope that the young will,” he said in his speech.

With an exciting future for Malaysia ahead, he said that it would be brighter if the young join in through volunteerism.

Three months to register 1M4U number plates

PETALING JAYA: Successful bidders for the 1M4U number plates must register with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Wangsa Maju branch within three months.

Those interested in bidding for the 9,999 numbers can submit their bids online at www.platim4u.com from March 10, said Zulaikha Mokhtarrudin, a spokesman for Aqua Two Sdn Bhd, which is handling the bids.

“All the bidding will be done online and the successful bidders will be issued a letter.

“This letter must be submitted to the JPJ branch in Wangsa Maju to register the number plates,” she said yesterday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced on Saturday that vehicle owners can begin bidding for the IM4U vehicle registration numbers next week in conjunction with the 1Malaysia For Youth (IM4U) movement.

There will be 9,999 numbers up for grabs, with Najib getting the IM4U 11 number, as 11 is his favourite number.

He said the sale of the registration numbers would generate funds to support IM4U activities.

(Source: The Star Online)

Let’s get ready for Vist Malaysia Year 2014 now, says Ng

Setting the tone: Dr Ng taking part in the 1M4U dance with the public during the mini carnival at the Queensbay Mall outdoor car park in George Town.

 

GEORGE TOWN: Although 2014 may be a year away, the Tourism Ministry is wasting no time in making early preparations to woo the targeted 28 million tourists.

Besides a grand tourism carnival to create awareness in the public and private sectors, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said her ministry would also reintroduce the salam gesture to welcome visitors to the country.

“It’s symbolic and let’s try to make it a natural habit for everyone,” she said.

The gesture requires one to put his right hand over the left collarbone as a courtesy greeting.

Dr Ng said people should understand that Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was good for the economy as it would generate income for the nation.

“It (tourism) is our third largest foreign exchange earner and generates 1.8 million jobs.

Najib advises Malay businesses to rely on own capabilities

Najib stressing a point in his speech at the Bumiputera Entrepreneurs Assembly 2013 in Kuala Lumpur.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has announced allocations of RM600mil to develop and strengthen Bumiputra entrepreneurs.

Of the allocation, RM400mil would be for the Bumiputra entrepreneurs funding programme under the Economic Planning Unit and the setting up of a Teraju exchange portal to help Bumiputra companies penetrate the international market.

Najib said RM100mil would be allocated to Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd and RM100mil under Mara to expand Bumiputra corporate equities. Najib said the limit for the Tekun and Mara loans would be extended from RM50,000 to RM100,000 while the limit for Mara business loans from RM50,000 to RM100,000.

He advised entrepreneurs to rely on their own talents and capabilities and to think globally to penetrate the overseas markets.

"Let us look at things positively and strive on. The global potential is very big," he said at a gathering of Bumiputra entrepeneurs, including 13 government agencies.

Earlier, chairman of the event, Khairy Jamaluddin, said the entrepreneurs would put forward a six-point resolution on how to improve Government policies for their betterment.

The resolutions include increasing allocations and having integrated financing to further develop entrepreneurship programmes; a mechanism to reduce bureaucracy and streamline access to government agencies; and to strengthen business networking and solidarity among Bumiputra entrepreneurs and agencies.

The other resolutions urged the Government to expand business opportunities for Bumiputra entrepreneurs via acquisitions, provide better infrastructure and enhance human capital development.

(Source: The Star Online)

Ministry aiming for RM350mil handicraft sales this year

KUALA LUMPUR: The Information, Communications and Culture Mini­stry aims to achieve sales of RM350mil for handicraft this year.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said last year’s RM342mil figure was made through 353 promotional and marketing activities in the country and overseas.

“To further boost the industry, the ministry will work with the Econo­mic Planning Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department,” he said in his speech at launch of the National Craft Day 2013 here yesterday.

Dr Rais also reminded entrepreneurs in the sector to equip themselves with more knowledge to further develop the industry.

He said 500 entrepreneurs took part in the National Craft Day last year, raking in sales of RM24mil.

“We aim to make RM30mil this year with 530 entrepreneurs taking part,’’ he said.

The event, being held at the Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay until March 11, is open from 10am to 10pm.

(Source: The Star Online)

Getting more self-employed to make EPF contributions

PETALING JAYA: The Employees Provident Fund has embarked on a four-week promotion blitz to get the self-employed and those without fixed income to contribute to the EPF through its 1Malaysia Retirement Savings Scheme.

Themed Self Employed? You Can Still Contribute to EPF and Retire Happy, EPF general manager for public relations Nik Affendi Jaafar said the advertising campaign aimed to encourage this sector to contribute voluntarily to the fund based on what they can afford.

They include taxi drivers, petty traders, farmers, hawkers, entertainment artistes, musicians, fishermen and housewives.

The minimum contribution for the scheme is RM50 per month while the maximum is capped at RM60,000 a year.
The campaign, which started yesterday, ends on March 28.

The advertisements would also be posted on the myEPF website, Facebook and Twitter.

Those interested need to first apply as an EPF member and submit their KWSP 3 and KWSP 16G (1M) forms together with a copy of their MyKad at the nearest EPF branch.

Both forms are available at the branches and can also be downloaded from the EPF website at www.kwsp.gov.my.

Submissions by cash or cheques are to be accompanied by a KWSP 6A(2) form and presented at any EPF counter or appointed bank agent counters.

For enquiries, contact the EPF call centre at 03-8922 6000.

(Source: The Star Online)

Extra RM600mil funds for bumis

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has announced additional allocations totalling RM600mil for bumiputra entrepreneurs to help strengthen and propel them to greater heights.

Out of this sum, RM400mil would be set aside under the Economic Planning Unit for the bumiputra entrepreneur funding programme, said Najib.

“The Government agreed to set aside the extra RM400mil to strengthen and develop bumiputra entrepreneurs,” he said at the inaugural Bumiputra Entrepeneurs gathering here yesterday.

The RM600mil includes RM100mil each for Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd to help entrepreneurs get good locations at major retail areas, and for Mara to expand bumiputra corporate equity.

Najib also announced that the limit for small entrepreneurship loans under Tekun Nasional and Mara would be increased from RM50,000 to RM100,000 and that Mara business loans be doubled from RM500,000 to RM1mil.

Malaysia brings Thailand and rebel group to the table

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia after brokering a peace deal between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in October has now brought Thailand and a rebel group to the discussion table.

Thailand and the rebel group Badan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) signed in Kuala Lumpur yesterday a General Consensus Document to Launch a Dialogue Process for Peace in the southern provinces, and agreed to invite Malaysia to be the facilitator.

National Security Council secretary-general Lt Gen Pharadorn Phatthanatabutr represented Thailand while the chief of the BRN liaison office in Malaysia, Hassan Taib, signed for the group.

National Security Council secretary Datuk Mohamed Thajudeen Abdul Wahab witnessed the signing.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia would appoint a senior government official to act as the facilitator.

The Prime Minister added: “A series of dialogues will begin in two weeks in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia will do everything possible to assist in the smooth functioning of the Joint Working Group so that productive discussions can take place in a harmonious atmosphere.

BL1M to help youths obtain motorcycle licence at cheaper rate

Najib (second right) accompanied by UMNO Youth Chief Khairy(second left) looking at a superbike displayed at one of the exhibition booths during the launching ceremony of the "Bantuan Lesen 1 Malaysia"

 

ALOR SETAR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak launched the 1Malaysia Licence Aid (BL1M) programme to make it easier for youths to obtain a motorcycle licence at RM199 instead of RM350 or more here Thursday.

"Many youngsters have motorcycles, bought for them by their parents, but they do not have a licence," he said at the launch during a gathering of Kedah youths at the Sultan Abdul Halim Stadium in Suka Menanti, here.

The BL1M programme comes under the purview of the Urban Affairs Secretariat (SHEB) of the Barisan Nasional Youth and targets to help 500,000 applicants from among youngsters to obtain the licence.

Besides the cheaper rate, the programme also offers several other benefits, such as free computerised test if the applicant fails and has to re-sit the test.

Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin had said that the BL1M was open to citizens between the ages of 17 and 40 and the fees charged coveres the application for the licence, photograph, practical training lessons and computerised theory and practical tests at the driving institute.

Those interested can register for the incentive programme through the website, www.bl1m.my. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

Engagement

I have said many times before that the era of “government knows best” is over, but I think it’s worth repeating. Ultimately, it is the rakyat who know best what they want and need, which is why I want to connect as much as possible with all of you – listening to your ideas, taking on board your views and acting on your opinions. It is an obvious point perhaps but democracy is not just about elections, it is about addressing the needs of the people in between elections – and that means getting unfiltered, first-hand information through meetings, visits and social media about the things you really care about.

I have been humbled by the support shown by the rakyat during my travels around the country - whether to Batu Caves and Brickfields, to Chinatown, or to the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak. I have tried hard to translate your insights and opinions into programmes and policies that help to pave the way for a prosperous, harmonious and truly equitable Malaysia – and I will continue to value your input in achieving this worthy goal.

 

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Political Transformation

Since I took office back in 2009 I have been clear in my vision for Malaysia as a modern, progressive and forward-looking democracy in which the people’s fundamental rights and freedoms are protected.

To that end, I have implemented the most far-reaching package of political reforms since Malaysia’s independence: the State of Emergency ordinance has been ended; the colonial-era Internal Security Act, which permitted indefinite detention without trial, has been repealed; restrictions on newspaper publishing licenses have been scrapped; the ban on students joining political parties has been lifted and I have pledged to review the Sedition Act. I have also introduced the Government Transformation Programme to make Malaysia’s public services more efficient and responsive to people’s needs, as well as clamping down on corruption.

These are truly far-reaching reforms that will benefit the Malaysian people, will see our country take its place among the world’s high income nations and will secure our reputation as a rising Asian powerhouse where political liberties flourish alongside economic growth.

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Economic Progress

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

New look for Najib's website

KUALA LUMPUR (Mar 1, 2013): The personal website of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, which can be accessed via www.1malaysia.com.my , has a new look and among others included the columns on 'My Record' and 'Action'.

The column 'My Record' features the segment on Economic Progress, 1Malaysia Initiative, Political Transformation, Global Involvement and Leadership. In the Involvement segment, Najib said he had on numerous occasions stated that the era of 'Government Knows All' had ended.

"The fact is that the people know better what they want and need and thus, I always want to communicate with you as often as possible to get ideas, consider all the views and implement them.

"Democracy is not merely about elections, it is about fulfilling the aspirations of the people," said the Prime Minister.

Najib said he was humbled by the undivided support given by the people each time he made a visit throughout the country -- regardless from Batu Caves to Brickfields, Chinatown right up to the interor of Sabah and Sarawak.

"I always work hard to ensure that all your opinions on national prosperity and peace can be implemented, and I will continue to consider each suggestion so that you can be together in developing the country," he said.

1Malaysia Initiatives

At the heart of the 1Malaysia concept is a quiet simplicity: a belief in the importance of national unity irrespective of race or religious belief. Malaysia’s diversity is what makes us unique, but in order to fully benefit from what is undoubtedly a source of strength we need to come together and build upon our common values. That is the central goal of 1Malaysia, but it is much more than just an abstract ideology, delivering real improvements on the ground.

More than 1.5 million people have so far passed through the 1Malaysia health clinics, for example, receiving treatment for any condition for just one ringgit – an achievement of which I’m very proud. Other rakyat-focused programmes include the 1Malaysia Housing Programme and PR1MA to help middle-income families buy their own homes, as well as the Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia low-cost grocery stores.

Change doesn’t happen overnight and there is still a lot more we need to do, but whatever the challenges ahead I have no doubt that embracing our diversity and leveraging our collective strength remains our best hope for the future.

(Source: http://www.1malaysia.com.my)

Social media has opened up government and politics

The internet is driving change in every part of our lives. It is a giant, ever-changing repository of information that anyone with a connection can access, enabling instant communication between individuals and groups across nations and continents. And it is unleashing creativity and collaboration in ways that have never before been possible.

Keeping on top of these trends is hugely important, so I was delighted to speak to the World Bloggers and Social Media Summit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. I also had the opportunity to speak with Rina Azmira, my one millionth Facebook follower and her parents, as well as unveil my new Instagram account, which you can follow here.

I may be biased but I truly believe Malaysia is a perfect place for conferences like this. The combination of a solid tech infrastructure with our naturally sociable personalities has put us amongst the most avid users of social media. 

A recent study even found that Malaysia, along with Brazil, has the highest Twitter penetration in the world.

With social media, everyone can be a publisher of content no matter how technically minded or wealthy they are. It is naturally very open and collaborative by nature, and people – especially ‘digital natives’ who have grown up with the internet – now have higher expectations for openness in all spheres of life.