Plan for 20% to 30% car price cut is right, says expert

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government's plan to reduce car prices gradually by between 20% and 30% within the next five years is the best mechanism for consumers and the automotive industry without disrupting the ecosystem, said an industry expert.

“Five years is the right timing to reduce car prices because a sudden reduction would impact the second-hand car industry,” Malaysia Automotive Institute chief executive officer Madani Sahari said.

He said although the car price cut plan had recently received wide publicity, the exercise itself started last year with some popular car brands reducing their car prices by 2% to 5%.

“The Government has had the car price reduction plan in the yet-to-be-announced National Automotive Policy since 2011 and had started to implement it since last year in a silent way,” he said on the sidelines of a forum on “Business Time Insight The National Automotive Policy” here yesterday.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reiterated the Government's commitment to gradually reduce car prices by 20% to 30% within the next five years.

Women Are At The Heart Of Our Society

               Women Are At The Heart Of Our Society 

May 28th, 2013 by Najib Razak

This morning I had the pleasure of speaking at the Women Deliver conference in Kuala Lumpur. It was a great honour for us to host the event, and an ever greater honour to share the stage with some of the leading lights in women’s advocacy.

Women are at the heart of our society. They deserve the best – in healthcare, in education and in the workplace. So as I walked to the stage to give my speech, I thought about the people who have inspired me with their commitment to improving the lives of women and girls – not just in Malaysia, but in the world. 

People like Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who guards our economic success; Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, who has done so much to improve maternal, public and mental health for women

I also thought of my time as Women’s Minister and Education Minister, about the challenges I have faced. In government, our job is to make sure we reach developed nation status without leaving any Malaysians behind. I believe that Malaysia’s future will only be really sustainable if we give our women and girls the best start in life.

Investing In well-being of girls, women a smart move - Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said investing in girls' and women's education, health, safety, rights and financial independence not only pays but is also a smart investment.

He said there were undeniable values in such investments as when girls and women were empowered, the benefits would extend beyond the individuals.

"Freed from the unnatural constraints of inequality, women can realise their potential as active participants in the community and in the world," he said.

Addressing the 3rd Global Conference on Women Deliver 2013 here today, Najib spoke about the government's commitment to ensure that the health and well-being of girls and women in this country were viewed as priorities, not mere afterthoughts.

Najib noted that with the government's re-election came new and increased commitment to empower women and girls in an effort to drive the nation's development forward.

"Every girl and woman in Malaysia, regardless of her religion, political affiliation, social status or location, deserves a safe, healthy and prosperous life. Our national, regional and global stability depends on it," Najib said.

Present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who is also patron of the conference, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim and Women Deliver president Jill Sheffield.

Najib renewed Malaysia's commitment to empower women

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak today renewed Malaysia's commitments to empower women following his re-election as prime minister.

Delivering the keynote address at the Women Deliver Global Conference 2013, Najib said every girl and woman, regardless of her religion, political affiliation, social status or location, deserved a safe, healthy and prosperous life.

"Our national, regional and global stability depend on it.

"When our girls and women are educated, healthy and independent, the benefits extend beyond individual freedom to prosperity and achievement," he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this morning.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Women Deliver Global Conference 2013, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this morning.

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Najib reiterates promise to reduce car prices

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak Tuesday reiterated the government's promise to reduce the car prices in stages.

"As promised, car prices will be reduced in stages until 2017. Insya Allah, I will ensure that every promise is fulfilled," he said in his latest tweet.

In its pledge for the 13th general election recently, the Barisan Nasional promised to review the National Automotive Policy to reduce the price of cars between 20% and 30% in stages, and to raise the competitiveness of the national cars if given the mandate to administer the country. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

Women the pulse of society - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's future will be more secured if women's rights continue to be protected as they are the pulse of society, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

In his latest entry in 1malaysia.com.my blog today, he said the new mandate given by the people in the general election gave him the opportunity to continue to serve women.

"Women are entitled to the best healthcare services, educational and employment opportunities.
"Today, 65 percent of students in higher education institutions in the country are women.

"The rate of maternal mortality in this country is also one of the lowest in the region with only 29 in every 100,000 births compared to 540 in every 100,000 births after independence."

Najib said in the index of the World Economic Forum, Malaysia was ranked among the final quarter.

"The challenge now is to ensure that the success we have achieved in education and healthcare is translated into success in the workplace and society."

He also touched on the Women Deliver Global Conference 2013 in Kuala Lumpur today that was attended by international women activists. -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

MDA1M can open opportunities for Indians, says Palanivel

SHAH ALAM: MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel is confident that the Changing Destiny of 1Malaysia Indian Children (MDA1M) programme, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, can open up opportunities for Indian students to further their education to higher levels.

Through the programme, which was launched in February, he said students who achieved moderate results in school could compete with high achievers.

“Indian students who obtained results of 7As or 8As in the SPM would secure places in institutions of higher learning but some who only managed to obtain three credits in the examination were not eligible to further their studies and were caught in various social problems.

“With the MDA1M programme, those who obtained at least three credits in Mathematics, Science and Bahasa Malaysia will be given the opportunity,” he said yesterday after the presentation of certificates of appreciation and cash contributions to 200 outstanding students in the PMR, SPM and STPM organised by Namakkal Society.

Palanivel said the programme was an education reform of the Indian community to raise their socio-economic level.

On Feb 25, Najib announced the first group of 1,600 Indian youths furthering their studies at pre-diploma level in 62 technical and vocational courses at polytechnics nationwide apart from each of them being provided with RM250 monthly allowance.

The programme also took on the same approach as the Changing Destiny programme undertaken by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) involving Malay and orang asli youths.

Najib: Rallies only lead to chaos

PUTRAJAYA - Any demand for change in the country must be based on the Federal Constitution and the rule of law, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said it was not necessary for Malaysians to take to the streets or tear down everything that had been built by the country's forefathers to achieve aspirations that might not be in line with the government of the day.

"If we demand for change, it must follow the Constitution and the rule of law.

"If not, we will end up following the law of the jungle and that will destroy all that has been built by our leaders in the past," he said when opening the Putrajaya Youth Festival here.

In an apparent swipe at Pakatan Rakyat which has organised a series of rallies in protest against the results of the recent 13th general election Najib said such methods would only lead to chaos.

PM: BN did not steal victory in GE13

2013 YOUTH FESTIVAL: Najib (second left) with Khairy (right) during the launching of the festival. — Bernama photo

PUTRAJAYA: The Barisan Nasional (BN) did not steal victory from the opposition in the 13th general election (GE13), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said Malaysia practised a parliamentary democratic system as enshrined in the federal constitution whereby BN had won general elections based on winning more seats to form the government and not based on the popular votes system.

“The claim that we stole victory from the opposition is a falsehood because we did not cheat in the recent GE13.

“Show me the Bangladeshis who became voters? They (opposition) claimed 40,000 Bangladeshis converged on an airport, show which airport? Don’t drag a person just because he looked dark like a Bangladeshi,” he said when launching the 2013 Youth Festival, here on Saturday.

Also present were former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Najib said the supremacy and loftiness of the constitution was the main pillar of the nation but the people had avenues to voice their opinions in line with parliamentary democracy.

“Whatever we want to voice out must be centred on the constitution and cannot be done by the roadside by demanding and causing chaos leading to insecurity as it is not in line with the constitution.

“As the younger generation, we must understand the demands for change must be based on the constitution and Rule of Law. If not the law of the jungle will prevail in our country,” he said.

Masing says meeting with Najib ‘useful and fruitful’

FRUITFUL MEETING: PRS top leaders in a group photo with Najib (centre) at Putrajaya yesterday. Masing is at sixth left. Also in the picture are (from left): PRS Youth chief Datuk Mong Dagang, Masir, supreme council member Liwan Lagang, Aaron, PRS Wanita chief Datuk Sophia Brodie, Entulu, vice-president Datuk John Sikie Tayai, Salang, Nyallau, Ugak and PRS secretary-general Datuk Wilfred Rata Nissom.

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak acknowledged the contribution of Parti Rakyat Sarawak (PRS) to Barisan Nasional’s (BN) win in the 13th general election and would consider its request, revealed PRS president Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.

Masing said the meeting with the prime minister in Putrajaya yesterday had been “useful and fruitful”.

“Issues related to PRS’ ‘kawasan’ (constituencies) were discussed and this includes the possible placement of Datuk Joseph Salang where his expertise could be put into better use,” Masing told The Borneo Post here yesterday.

During its supreme council meeting on Thursday last week, the party voiced its dissatisfaction over its lack of representation in the federal cabinet as announced by Najib on May 15.

Najib and Palanivel to discuss deaths in police custody

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel.

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent death in police custody and strengthening of the Indian community will be among the issues that MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel will discuss when he meets with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak next week.

"We will look into the matter. I will meet him either on Monday or Tuesday," he said at a press conference Friday after the party's Central Working Committee meeting.

Palanivel said he would also discuss the Indian economic agenda as well as accusations by Hindraf chairman P.Waythamoorthy towards the party.

"We want to bring back the Indian votes as well as have discussions with PPP and IPF on strengthening the party.

Commenting further on the death in police custody, he said the party had issued a statement on the matter and would let the authorities carry out their investigations first.

"I will also raise it in the Cabinet next week," he said.

On party elections, Palanivel said elections at branch level would take place in December or January followed by division level.

"We will also set up a committee for presidential elections in November or December.

"The elections for the president's post will start early next year followed by the elections for the deputy president, vice presidents and Central Working Committee members," he added.

(Source: The Star Online)

Prime Minister’s Official Message In Conjunction With Wesak Day Celebration 2013

Bahasa Malaysia:

Saya telah mula melihat para sukarelawan melakukan persiapan sempena perayaan Hari Wesak yang mengingati kelahiran, kesedaran dan kematian Gautama Buddha. Di seluruh Malaysia, kuil-kuil akan mengadakan pelbagai aktiviti dan para penganut Buddha akan menyertai upacara keagamaan itu dalam suasana penuh harmoni. 

Saya sentiasa berharap agar kita semua rakyat Malaysia mengenepikan perbezaan dan bersatu demi kebaikan kita bersama. Railah Hari Wesak bersama jiran-jiran, pasangan, keluarga, anak-anak dan ibu bapa kita dalam suasana harmoni. 

Pada Hari Wesak ini, saya berharap rakyat Malaysia tidak kira bangsa dan kepercayaan agama supaya bersatu. Hari demi hari kita semakin hampir mencapai matlamat kita bersama iaitu Wawasan 2020 yang hanya boleh dicapai menerusi semangat perpaduan di antara kita. Sudah pasti kita akan menghadapi pelbagai cabaran dalam tahun-tahun mendatang ini tetapi saya yakin, kita mampu mencapainya.

Dengan itu, saya ucapkan Selamat Hari Wesak kepada semua penganut Buddha di Malaysia.

Set aside differences, says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: DATUK Seri Najib Razak has called on all Malaysians, regardless of race or ethnicity, to come together as one.

In his Wesak Day message, the prime minister said that his sole wish for Malaysia was for everyone to set aside their differences for the greater good.

"I wish for neighbours to treat one another with kindness, spouses with love and siblings with kindness. For children to be respectful and parents to be nurturing.

"And of course, for the people to prosper under this government, and for politicians to serve them to the best of their abilities," he wrote on his blog, www.1mal-aysia.com.my.

He said the country was growing steadily towards the pinnacle of its achievements, Vision 2020, which could only be achieved if the people were united in times of peace and difficulty.

"There will be many obstacles for us to overcome in the next few years, but I am confident that we as a nation can do it."

He said the city was already bustling with activity as volunteers prepared to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the passing of Gautama Buddha.

"All over Malaysia, temples will be bustling with activity as devotees flock to attend the various activities. Streets will be packed with processions of beautiful floats.

"There will be an abundance of joy and peace and forgiveness as people seek blessings for themselves and their loved ones. Here's wishing all Malaysian Buddhists a Happy Wesak Day."

Meanwhile, in his Wesak Day message, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said the country would not be disrupted by extreme and aggressive ideologies as long as everyone was united to work towards peace and harmony.

"We should not allow any party to abuse religion for political means because the result of that is hatred and conflict.

"This will destroy unity and the people will be the victims."

Najib: BN has to adapt to stay relevant

Najib shaking hands with Barisan election machinery members in Pekan. — Bernama

 

PEKAN: Change is imminent and Barisan Nasional has to adapt accordingly if it wants to remain relevant, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the country’s political landscape would continue to undergo significant changes towards the next general election.

He said among factors that would bring forth changes were urbanisation, better standards of living and education, access to information and communications technology and the use of smartphones and their applications.

“Nothing is constant. Whether it is quick or not, change will happen,” he said at a thanksgiving event for Barisan election machinery members here yesterday.

Forum to highlight on Asia economic ventures

PETALING JAYA: The widening economic inequality in Asian countries, security issues and how Asian countries can cooperate to confront common challenges are among the subjects that will be discussed at the three-day 27th Asia-Pacific Roundtable (APR) from June 3 to 5.

The theme of this year’s event is “Strategising change in Asia”, which will focus on understanding the dynamics of political-strategic change and its impact on the region.

The roundtable conference organised by Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia and Asean-ISIS will be held at Hilton Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. It had been conducted annually since its inception in 1987.

It is expected to host more than 350 security practitioners across the Asia-Pacific region and Europe, Russia and the United States. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will deliver a keynote address at the roundtable conference.

Najib to address global Women Deliver 2013 Conference

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to deliver the opening address at the landmark global gathering Women Deliver 2013 Conference at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here, next Tuesday.

Malaysia is the first Asian country to be given the honour to host the global conference, which was previously held in London and Washington DC.

According to a statement from the conference’s Malaysia Media Secretariat today, the three-day conference would be the largest global conference of the decade to focus on the health and well being of girls and women.

It said the conference presented a unique opportunity to engage regional leaders and showcase Malaysia’s progress on the women’s issues.

Najib congratulates Everest-conquering Felda youths

The Felda youths at KLIA before leaving for the Mount Everest expedition on April 2. - Bernama

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has congratulated four Felda youths on their success in scaling world's tallest mountain Mount Everest Tuesday morning.

The Prime Minister said the achievement of the Felda Everest 2013 climbers, accompanied by two instructors, had inspired the entire Felda community.

"Congratulations to four Felda youths and their coaches for conquering Mount Everest today. The success is an inspiration to the entire Felda community," he said in his tweet Tuesday.

State Pas and BN leaders confident new cabinet capable of transforming the country

KOTA BARU: State Pas leaders yesterday expressed hope that the new cabinet will bring changes in the working relationship between the state and federal government and give similar priority to states under Pakatan Rakyat.

Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Yakob, in welcoming the new cabinet, said it was the prerogative of the prime minister to appoint whoever he deemed fit to be in the cabinet.

He said he appreciated Datuk Seri Najib Razak's statement that the new cabinet was a transformation cabinet and hoped that it would not involve only in the changing old faces with new ones but more importantly, transforming attitudes and mentality.

“I hope the new cabinet will bring changes in the co-operation between the state and federal government in line with the spirit of the federalism,” he said.

PAS assistant secretary-general Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan said he saw that there was a transformation in the cabinet appointment with the inclusion of new faces.

NGO reps, technocrats add value to cabinet

PETALING JAYA: Several analysts lauded Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s decision to bring in NGO leaders and technocrats into the cabinet line up.

“These individuals will carry strong weight in the administration and help in Najib’s transformation agenda,” said Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) political analyst Mustafa Ishak.

Yesterday, Najib unveiled his post general election cabinet line-up, which saw Maybank president Abdul Wahid Omar and Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M) president Paul Low appointed as Ministers in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Hindraf supremo, P Waythamoorthy was also appointed as a deputy minister in the PMO.

Heaping laurels on the appointment, Mustafa said that individuals such as Wahid is a well respected corporate individual in the region who had played a major role in making Maybank an established bank in Malaysia.

Cabinet ministers get morale boost from PM

PUTRAJAYA -- The new Malaysian Cabinet members get a morale boost from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at their first Cabinet meeting today.

During the two-hour meeting, Najib also called on them to do their level best in charging their duties and responsibilities to ensure success of the national transformation agenda.

Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Rahman Dahlan said Najib also asked them to serve all Malaysians, regardless of race and religion.

"He wants us to remember that we are ministers for all races and that we should not focus only on our constituencies," he said.

The Kota Belud member of Parliament said the prime minister also called on all Cabinet members to add value to their work.

Meanwhile, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek said Najib clearly expected a high level of commitment from his Cabinet to help him turn the country into a fully-developed nation by 2020.

"It is his hope that we work with him towards achieving Vision 2020. No more holidays, we must work for the people's wellbeing," he said.

Waythamoorthy's Appointment Testimony To Najib Giving Priority To Indian Community

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- The MIC today lauded Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak's decision to appoint Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf)'s chairman P.Waythamoorthy as a deputy minister, saying that the prime minister was giving higher priority to the Indian community.

"Waytha had previously made extremely negative accusation at the PM and Barisan Nasional, but the very fact that the PM is willing to set aside all this shows that the PM puts the development of the Indian community above his own feelings," MIC strategic director S.Vell Paari said in a statement.

He said that it was a testimony that Najib was committed in his promise to uplift the socio-economic standard of the Indian Community.

Yesterday, the prime minister announced the post-election cabinet line-up that includes two ministers and four deputy ministers from the Indian community.

Besides MIC president Datuk Seri G.Palanivel who was appointed National Resources and Environment Minister and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam as Health Minster, four others were appointed deputy ministers -- Datuk M.Saravanan (Youth and Sports), P.Kamalanathan (Education), Datuk Dr J.Loga Bala Mohan (Federal Territories) and P.Wyathamoorthy (Prime Minister's Department).

"As far as I am concerned, the more Indians holding government posts, the merrier," said Vell Paari, adding that MIC must restructure and revamp the party in terms of ideology, policy and approach to remain relevant to all Malaysians.


(Source: Bernama)

Najib wants ministers to give their best to country

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has chaired the first meeting of the new Cabinet at Putra Perdana here.

In his address, the Prime Minister outlined the direction the country should take and invoked the spirit of exemplary service to the ministers by giving their best to the people and the country.

The meeting, which started at 3.20pm and ended at 5.30pm yesterday, was attended by Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Earlier, the Cabinet ministers had a photograph session with Najib.

Najib announced the appointment of 30 ministers and 27 deputy ministers made up of senior ministers, technocrats and new faces whom he believed could assist him in pursuing the national transformation agenda.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin led the ministers and deputy ministers in the swearing-in ceremony before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

Muhyiddin took the oath of office and allegiance as deputy prime minister and education and higher learning minister I at the ceremony, which began at 10.10am.

Najib chairs new Cabinet's first meeting

Najib (left) chairing the first meeting of the new Cabinet

 

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak chaired the first meeting of the new Cabinet at Putra Perdana here Thursday.

In his address, the Prime Minister outlined what he thought the direction the country should take and invoked the spirit of exemplary service to ministers by giving their best to the people and the country.

The meeting, which started at 3.20pm and ended at 5.30pm, was attended by the Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa.

Earlier, the Cabinet ministers had a photo session with Najib.

The Prime Minister Wednesday announced the appointment of 30 ministers and 27 deputy ministers, made up of experienced ministers, technocrats and new faces whom he believed could assist him in pursuing the national transformation agenda.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin Thursday led ministers and deputy ministers in the swearing-in ceremony before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at the Istana Negara. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

Barisan Kabinet Kerajaan Malaysia 2013

Press Releases

By	:	DATO' SRI MOHD NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK PERDANA MENTERI MALAYSIA
Venue	:	PEJABAT PERDANA MENTERI
Date	:	15/05/2013
Title	:	BARISAN KABINET KERAJAAN MALAYSIA 2013

Pejabat Perdana Menteri

BARISAN KABINET KERAJAAN MALAYSIA 2013

PERDANA MENTERI:
YAB DATO’ SRI HAJI MOHD. NAJIB BIN TUN HAJI ABDUL RAZAK (UMNO)

TIMBALAN PERDANA MENTERI:
YAB TAN SRI DATO’ HAJI MUHYIDDIN BIN YASSIN (UMNO)

JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI:
MENTERI:
(1) YB DATO’ SERI JAMIL KHIR BIN BAHAROM  (UMNO)
(2) YB DATO’ SRI ABDUL WAHID BIN OMAR (SENATOR -BERKUATKUASA 5 JUN 2013)
(3) YB SENATOR DATO’ SRI IDRIS JALA  (SENATOR)
(4) YB TAN SRI DATUK SERI PANGLIMA JOSEPH KURUP (PBRS)
(5) YB DATO’ SERI SHAHIDAN BIN KASSIM (UMNO)
(6)  YB PUAN HAJAH NANCY BINTI SHUKRI (PBB)
(7)  YB DATUK JOSEPH ENTULU ANAK BELAUN (PRS)
(8)  DATUK PAUL LOW SENG KWAN (SENATOR)

TIMBALAN MENTERI:
(1) YB DATUK RAZALI BIN IBRAHIM  (UMNO)
(2) WAYTHA MOORTHY PONNUSAMY (SENATOR)

The Announcement of 2013 Federal Cabinet

PUTRAJAYA, May 15, 2013 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak showing the book that contains the full list of the federal cabinet during the announcement of it after getting the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at the Perdana Putra Building here today .

Also present Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin (left) and Chief Secretary to The Government, Datuk Seri Dr Ali Hamsa (right).

(Source: http://www.pmo.gov.my

A well-balanced Cabinet of 32 ministers

PUTRAJAYA: A mix of new and old faces are set to help chart the country's future over the next five years as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak unveiled his Cabinet line-up nearly two weeks after the 13th General Election.

Describing it as a “balanced Cabinet”, Najib's line-up will have a total of 32 ministers and 26 deputy ministers. In the last Cabinet, there were 30 ministers and 36 deputy ministers.

“This is a balanced Cabinet, that includes those with experience, technocrats and youths.

“I believe those with experience will contribute to continuity, while the technocrats will contribute through their specific expertise which is very important in providing creative and rational ideas for the Government to consider.

“The youths, aside from their skills, will also be able to bring the perspective of youths to the Government's attention,” Najib said when unveiling his Cabinet.

Najib: New Cabinet a mix of experience and fresh faces

Najib (right) shaking hands with Muhyiddin after announcing the new Cabinet line-up. - Bernama

 

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak described his new Cabinet as a delicate balance of experienced hands and fresh blood, with a number of technocrats in the mix.

But the line-up was also based on a simple formula those who delivered were rewarded and those who didn't got nothing.

The biggest beneficiaries were the Sabahans and Sarawakians.

The Prime Minister rewarded the loyalty of voters in the two states handsomely, doubling their number of Cabinet members from six to 12.

They now make up more than a third of the 32-member Cabinet.

Of the eight ministers in the Prime Minister's Department, three are from Sabah and Sarawak, namely Tan Sri Joseph Kurup, Nancy Shukri and Datuk Joseph Entulu Belaun.

Hindraf's Waythamoorthy joins Najib's cabinet line-up

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) chairman P. Waythamoorthy has been appointed to join the new Cabinet of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The surprise appointment of the 47-year-old lawyer is expected to bring a new wave of hope to improve the livelihood of the Indian community, following a memorandum with the Barisan Nasional (BN).

On April 18, Hindraf and BN signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six key points, aimed at bringing poor Indians into the mainstream of the country's development.

In return, the movement - which was influential in swinging Indian votes to the opposition in 2008 - said it would tell the Indian community to vote for BN in the 13th General Election.

The Kelantan-born Waythamoorthy left Malaysia three days after the historic Hindraf rally of Nov 25, 2007, which resulted in the detention of several activists under the Internal Security Act.

Najib has audience with the King

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at Istana Negara here around noon Wednesday to get consent from Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah to form the new Cabinet.

Najib arrived at 11.55am for his audience with the Agong and to present the list of candidates for Cabinet positions.

He left at 12.30pm after getting the King's consent.

The announcement of Cabinet ministers is scheduled for 5pm at the Prime Minister's Office in Putrajaya.

In the 13th general election held on May 5, Barisan Nasional won 133 out 222 parliament seats to form the new federal government.

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib challenges Malaysians to make great achievements

Najib (right) said Captain Tan's (centre) success could serve as an inspiration to other Malaysian youths to challenge themseves to achieve great things.

PETALING JAYA, May 14 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak today challenged Malaysians especially youths to come out of their comfort zone and do things they and the nation could be proud of.

The Prime Minister said the success of the nation depended on competitivenes and the spirit of being willing to try to make extraordinary breakthroughs by Malaysians.

Describing the success of Capt James Anthony Tan in making it into the World Guinness Book of Records after completing a mission to fly solo around the world in 48 days as a major milestone for the country, Najib said his success could serve as an inspiration to other Malaysian youths to challenge themseves to achieve great things.

“I am so proud that just at the age of 21, Capt James has done something extraordinary that has brought the nation pride and I am sure he not only did it for himself but for Malaysia.

Najib receives surprise call from Obama

KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Barack Obama today telephoned Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to congratulate the prime minister on his success in getting the mandate from the people at the 13th General Election (GE13) to continue leading Malaysia.

In the surprise call, Obama expressed his understanding and acceptance of the process and results of the country's recently-concluded GE13.

In a statement issued here today, the Prime Minister's Office said that during the conversation, the US president was also briefed on the Government's efforts to ensure the clean and fair process of the elections.

It said that on his part, Obama had agreed to participate in the two-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Kuala Lumpur, beginning Oct 11.

"Malaysia and the United States will continue to strengthen bilateral relations through regional and international cooperation," said the statement.

Govt will help Indian community: Palanivel

MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel is confident the government will continue with its programmes to improve the socio-economy of the Indian community.

He said the government has helped to change the lives of thousands of Indians and brought them into the mainstream of the country through several business and loan assistance.

"We hope that PM (Datuk Seri) Najib (Abdul Razak) will continue to reform and bring equal opportunities in employment and entry into universities and teachers training colleges, not only for Indians but for all communities," he said.

Palanivel noted that there should be greater economic and social development for every citizen.

Since 2009, Najib has allocated RM540 million to fund development of Tamil schools; RM150 million for microcredit schemes; RM50 million for Tekun loans; and has set aside 1,500 matriculation seats for Indian students who excel in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.

Najib gets staunch support

KUALA LUMPUR: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and senior Umno leaders have expressed support for the call by party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for the party to address its weaknesses so as to have the continued support of the people.

 The recently-concluded GE13 saw Umno improving its seats to 88 from the 79 it secured in 2008 but Najib felt that the party needs to be humble and correct its weaknesses before seeking another mandate in the 14th general election due within the next five years.

He said this at an event to celebrate Umno's 67th anniversary celebrations at the Putra World Trade Centre here on Saturday night.

Dr Mahathir said Najib's address was timely and reminded him of Umno's earlier days.

Parliament may convene by next month

PETALING JAYA: The 13th Parliament will most likely convene its first session by June, before the fasting month of Ramadan in July, said caretaker Minister in the Prime Minister's department Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz.

However, he said, it was still uncertain when the swearing-in ceremony for newly minted Members of Parliament (MPs) will take place as the Cabinet had yet to be formed.

“After the Cabinet is formed, only then will we have the swearing-in of MPs. The King's address will also normally be delivered after the ceremony,” he said yesterday.

Nazri, who is Padang Rengas MP, said the Parliament has already missed a chance to have a meeting in March and hence, the new session should start soon.

Mothers Day Facebook post

Disamping kita mula menggarapkan perancangan sebuah fasa baru dalam sejarah negara ini, saya ingin mengambil kesempatan untuk mengucapkan terima kasih kepada insan yang begitu penting dalam hidup saya, iaitu bonda, Tun Rahah Mohd Noah.

Sejak dari kecil lagi saya diingatkan oleh bonda saya supaya menjadi insan berguna yang mampu memberi sumbangan kepada masyarakat. Kami lima adik beradik selama ini dibesarkan dengan penuh kasih sayang malah bonda saya sentiasa bersabar dengan karenah kami sepanjang zaman kanak-kanak kami.

Saya harap anda meluangkan masa hujung minggu ini untuk menunjukkan penghargaan anda terhadap para ibu dalam kehidupan kita semua. Selamat Hari Ibu.

(Source: Najib Razak Facebook)

Najib: Show appreciation to your mom

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has urged the people to show appreciation to their mother by spending time with her on Mother's Day.

The prime minister said while planning a new phase in the history of the country, he wanted to take the opportunity to thank the woman who is very important in his life - his mother, Tun Rahah Mohd Noah.
"Since childhood, I had been reminded by my mother to be a useful human being who could contribute to the community.

"My four siblings and I were raised with tender loving care.

"I hope you will take time this weekend to show your appreciation to your mother. Happy Mother's Day," he said in his Facebook post. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

Najib: Umno capable of creating more success stories in future

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno is capable of creating more success stories for Malaysia in the future with the presence of continuous support from the people, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

In conjunction with Umno's 67th anniversary Saturday, Najib, who is Umno president, also expressed hope that the party would continue fighting for the best interests of the race, religion and nation.

He said he was also grateful as Umno managed to win 88 parliamentary seats in the 13th general election compared to only 79 in the 12th polls in 2008.

"I'm confident that the increase in the support shows that the people appreciate the deeds and sacrifices made by Umno all this years," he said in his latest post on Facebook.

Najib said Umno's position as a political party was also getting stronger.

"Insya-Allah (God willing), we will strive to ensure that Umno will continue raising the living standard of the Malays and helping all Malaysians in need," he said. - Bernama

(Source: The Star Online)

GE13: Najib vows to be PM for all Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has promised to be a Prime Minister for all Malaysians, regardless of race, religion, state or political views.

“I love my country and I'm proud of how far we have progressed. And I know that by working together as one nation, our best days are still to come,” he said in the latest entry on his blog www.1Malaysia.com.my.

In the entry titled “Thank You”, the Prime Minister promised that the Barisan Nasional Government would make efforts to ensure any form of extremism and racism would be tackled.

“We will continue to promote moderation among multiracial Malaysians and place great importance on racial harmony and national unity.”

Najib, who is the national coalition chairman, also thanked the voters and everyone who had placed their trust in Barisan to continue governing the country.

In the 13th general election last Sunday, Barisan retained power by securing a simple majority of 133 out of the 222 parliamentary seats.

Najib to seek Sultan's consent for new Johor MB and exco

JOHOR BARU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at the Istana Pasir Pelangi here to have an audience with Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

Najib arrived at the palace gates at around 9.42am on Saturday. It is learnt that Najib will discuss the appointment of the Johor Mentri Besar as well as the state executive council line-up with Sultan Ibrahim.

(Source: The Star Online)

Dr Mahathir, Najib visit Azizan

Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arriving at the hospital.

 

GEORGE TOWN: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad paid a visit to former Kedah MB Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak at the Penang Hospital.

The former premier, who arrived at the hospital at 11.20am on Saturday, said Azizan is currently in stable condition.

"His heart and blood pressure is doing well," said Dr Mahathir.

He added that Azizan had regained consciousness but has been placed in an induced coma to keep him calm.

Mahathir, who was accompanied by with his wife, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali and son Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir left the ward 25 minutes later.

Terima Kasih/Thank You

Kita baru sahaja menempuh satu proses demokrasi yang terbesar dan paling mencabar di negara kita. Di setiap kampung, pekan dan bandar, setiap rakyat telah berdebat, berkempen dan mengundi untuk masa hadapan negara. Saya amat berterima kasih dengan segala usaha yang telah dilakukan oleh semua pihak yang selama ini telah berusaha gigih dan berdiri teguh di samping saya dan parti. Dengan penuh tawaduk saya juga mengucapkan terima kasih kepada para pengundi yang telah memberikan kepercayaan kepada kepimpinan Barisan Nasional untuk terus mentadbir negara.

Saya telah berkhidmat sebagai penjawat awam hampir sepanjang pengalaman kerjaya saya selama ini. Saya masih ingat lagi kali pertama saya dipilih menjadi Ahli Parlimen, kali pertama saya berucap di Parlimen dan kali pertama saya menjalankan tanggungjawab sebagai ketua jabatan kerajaan. Sepanjang empat tahun yang lalu saya telah diberi peluang pula untuk berkhidmat untuk negara ini di peringkat tertinggi sebagai Perdana Menteri.

Namun pencapaian paling bererti tercatat pada awal pagi Isnin lalu adalah apabila saya diberi mandat oleh rakyat untuk menyempurnakan segala perancangan dan perlaksanaan yang telah saya mulakan sejak empat tahun yang lalu.

US recognizes Malaysia election result despite opposition claims of irregularities

WASHINGTON - The United States has recognized Malaysia's election result, calling it the "most competitive" in the Southeast Asian nation's history, despite opposition claims of irregularities in the vote.

State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said the U.S. looked forward to working with the government to be formed by Prime Minister Najib Razak after his coalition returned to power after winning Sunday's parliamentary elections with a diminished majority and despite losing the popular vote.

Ventrell told reporters in Washington on Monday that the U.S. was aware of concerns about voting irregularities and noted the opposition parties faced significant restrictions on access to the media.

He said addressing these issues is important for strengthening confidence in the electoral process, and called on all parties "to peacefully respect the will of the voters."
 

 (Source: Edmonton Journal)

Japan to offer scholarships for Malaysians

KUALA LUMPUR : The Japanese Government is inviting applications from Malaysians for scholarships to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Japan for the academic year 2014.

The Japanese embassy in a statement today said the Monbukagakusho scholarship for undergraduate is open for applicants who have completed SPM or O-Level with at least 11 years of formal education, as well as those who have completed STPM, UEC, Matriculation or Diploma.

Applicants must be between 17 to 22 years old on April 1, 2014 and have a good command of the English language, said the statement.

Those qualified will be given 117,000 yen (about RM3,900) as monthly allowances and all applications must reach the embassy before 4pm on May 17.

For the postgraduate courses, applicants must be under 35 years old on April 1, 2014, a degree or master degree holder with a minimum of 3.4 CGPA, and undergraduates in the final year at respective universities, it said.

Civil servants are also eligible to apply but must be through the Malaysian Public Service Department (JPA) by visiting www.jpa.gov.my or contact JPA at 03-8885 3555 or 03-8885 3519. 

GE13: More foreign envoys continue to congratulate Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign envoys have continued to send congratulatory messages on Barisan Nasional's victory in the 13th general election (GE13).

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, in congratulating Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, said the victory was achieved under his able leadership.

He also congratulated Najib on his reappointment as the Prime Minister and noted that the scenario could be construed as a strong backing for the policies of Barisan.

In a statement issued by the Iranian embassy here, Ahmadinejad said he was optimistic that bilateral relations under Najib's leadership and guidance would continue to grow strongly and “increase by the day, more so than in the past”.

“I pray that Allah grants Your Excellency and the Government and people of Malaysia good health, success and prosperity,” he said.

The GE13 on May 5 saw Barisan return to power after winning 133 of the 222 parliamentary seats to form the Federal Government.

Fitting a perfect blend into Malaysia's Cabinet

MALAYSIA - The first task for Prime Minister Najib Razak is to form the Cabinet. And we can expect the process to be different this time.

Previously, the Cabinet had to include the right blend of representation from the various component parties of Barisan Nasional.

But with the poor performance of some component parties in the 13th general election, the choices, based on party needs, are diminished.

And the MCA, although it won seven parliamentary seats, has declared that it will not be part of the Government at the executive level.

It's a whole new ball game, and Najib has to look at his options carefully.

Politics aside, the Prime Minister has a major job on his hands in transforming Malaysia into a fully developed country by the year 2020, a mere seven years away.

The transformation agenda is top priority and the many changes that the PM has put in place over the past four years of his leadership will start to bear fruit in this new term of office.

Which is why he needs a "lean and mean" team to work alongside him.

GE13: Najib wants to unite the people and focus on modernisation programme

Back to work: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak waving as he arrives at his office in Putrajaya – his first day as Prime Minister in his second term.

 

PETALING JAYA: Bringing people together after the general election will be one of the main tasks of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“My next task is to harmonise the racial makeup of Malaysia,” he said in a interview with Wall Street Journal, which was posted on the international news daily's website on Tuesday.

Najib said he would also focus on a multi-billion-dollar modernisation programme because “expanding the size and scope of the country's economy would help draw support back to Barisan Nasional”.

The Prime Minister said he now aimed to push through a US$444bil (RM1.32tril) plan to boost consumer spending and make the nation more competitive against countries like South Korea and Singapore.

Malaysia condemns Israel air strike on Syria - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian government today condemned Israel's air strike on Syria on Sunday, causing many civilian deaths, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

The statement said the air strike launched without provocation is a serious violation of the territorial integrity of a sovereign country and violation of international law and the United Nations (UN) charter.

While denouncing the air strike, Najib said Malaysia joined other countries in urging the UN Security Council to take immediate action against the violation  to prevent the Middle East conflict from escalating.

The Zionist regime claimed that the air strike which killed many Syrians was aimed at stopping sophisticated weapons from reaching the Hezbollah group - BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

Pakistani envoy: BN's victory shows people's trust in Najib

PORT KLANG: The 13th General Election won by Barisan National (BN) indicated the trust of the Malaysian people in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Pakistani High Commissioner to Malaysia, Shahid Masroor Gul Kiani, said.

“My take on your election is that the election won by BN headed by Prime Minister Najib is a manisfestation of the trust by the people of Malaysia in his leadership and what he has achieved in the last four or five years,”  he said.

Met at a reception on board Pakistani Navy Ship (PNS) Saif, Tuesday night which docked here on Monday for a four-day goodwill visit, Shahid wished the very best to Najib as he embarked on his second term.

“And I look forward to the leaders of both Pakistan and Malaysia to enlarge this excellent relationship," said the newly appointed High Commissioner.

PNS Saif, a multi-mission frigate capable of operating independently or as a part of a Task Force under multi-threat environment, was commissioned on Sept 15, 2010 in Shanghai China and fitted with state of the art weapons like Surface to Air and Surface to Surface Missiles.

The frigate will be opened to the public today.    According to the ship’s commanding officer Captain Jawad Ahmed, PNS Saif’s visit to Southeast Asia was aimed at bringing together the maritime community for a common objective of peace and stability at seas, adding that the visit will not only help in projecting common maritime interests but also contribute towards better understanding of each other’s point of view.

He said that the Pakistan's Navy enjoyed cordial and brotherly relations with the Royal Malaysian Navy in all professional fields and it was hoped that the visit will open new avenues of bilateral cooperation between the two forces and further strengthen the existing bond of friendship.

EU congratulates Najib, looks forward to continue working with BN govt

JOHOR BARU: The European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, has congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for winning another term in office.

Ashton, who is vice-president of the EU Commission said: "I wish to congratulate the Malaysian people for their peaceful and enthusiastic participation in their 13th general election.

"I would also like to congratulate Prime Minister Najib  Razak for having won another term in office. I am looking forward to continue working with his government," she said in response to the May 5 general election in a statement released by the EU Delegation to Malaysia.

Noting the concerns regarding irregularities in the electoral process, Ashton said she looked forward to the findings of the Election Commission and the other competent authorities, who would investigate and address complaints as appropriate.  -- BERNAMA

(Source: http://www.nst.com.my)

GE13: Najib still the best to lead Malaysia, says Pak Lah

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi says his successor Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is still the best person to continue leading the country after the general election.

Abdullah said he was giving Najib his full support and hoped the latter would continue with his agenda for transformation.

“Malaysians have sent a clear message that they want change and Datuk Seri Najib must respond to this by intensifying his transformation programme to address issues such as corruption, crime and the cost of living.
“I believe he has the right strategies in place to demonstrate improvement in these areas,” Abdullah said in a statement today.

Abdullah is currently in Bahrain to attend the 31st InterAction Council Annual meeting.

Najib, who succeeded Abdullah on April 3, 2009, won a new mandate when Barisan Nasional secured 133 of the 222 parliamentary seats in last Sunday's general election to form the Federal Government.

Two days ago, Najib took the oath of office as prime minister before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Istana Negara, Kuala Lumpur.

Abdullah also called for national unity and reconciliation, saying that there must not be any attempt to racialise the election results by unfairly blaming any particular community.

(Source: The Star Online)

Malaysia 10-year yields at 4-year low

Malaysia’s 10-year bonds gained for a third day, driving the yield to the lowest level in more than four years, on optimism Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s election win will spur fund inflows.

The notes were headed for the longest winning streak in three weeks as Credit Suisse Group AG and HSBC Holdings Plc forecast inflows will increase following the result. Najib’s National Front coalition retained power at the May 5 poll with 133 of the 222 parliamentary seats, extending its 55-year rule.

"The market is more positive due to the removal of political uncertainty," said Ray Choy, regional head of fixed-income research in Kuala Lumpur at RHB Research Institute Sdn. "There’s pent-up demand from among overseas investors."

The yield on the 3.48 per cent securities maturing in March 2023 dropped three basis points, or 0.03 percentage point, to 3.3 per cent as of 12.39pm in Kuala Lumpur, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That’s the lowest for a benchmark 10-year note since February 2009. Today’s decline is five times the average move in the past three months, the most among 22 emerging markets tracked by Bloomberg.

Global funds owned a record RM138 billion of local-currency government debt at the end of March, according to data published by Bank Negara Malaysia, a six per cent increase from the end of 2012.

Capital inflows should be strong in the next month or so, according to a Credit Suisse research report on May 6. Malaysia may attract as much as US$3 billion next quarter, a separate note from HSBC said the same day.

The yield on the 3.26 per cent notes due March 2018 fell seven basis points in the last three days to 3.09 per cent today, the lowest for a benchmark five-year bond since September 2011.-- Bloomberg

(Source: Business Times)

Malaysian Premier Seeks Unity With Plan to Bolster Economy

Mr. Najib, center, met with his ruling coalition in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.  Getty Images

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia—Newly elected Prime Minister Najib Razak said he would press ahead with a multibillion-dollar modernization program for Malaysia's economy, adding that he hoped it would help reunite the Southeast Asian nation after the most fiercely contested election in its history.

Mr. Najib's National Front coalition secured around 60% of the seats in Sunday's ballot, but the vote was heavily split between Malaysia's thriving cities, which largely voted for opposition parties, and rural, mostly ethnic-Malay areas that threw their support behind Mr. Najib, the 59-year-old son of Malaysia's second prime minister.

Many of Malaysia's ethnic-Chinese minority, which makes up about a quarter of the population, also switched to opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's People's Alliance, leaving Mr. Najib's coalition ruling the country with 47% of the popular vote, compared with 50% for its opposition rivals, who allege that electoral fraud swung the result against them. The remaining 3% represented votes for independent candidates or spoiled ballots.

In his first remarks to the international media following the election, Mr. Najib told The Wall Street Journal in an interview on Tuesday that expanding the size and scope of the country's economy would help draw support back to the National Front, which has run the country uninterrupted since independence from Britain in 1957.

Economic transformation will harmonise Malaysia’s races, Najib tells WSJ

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak has said he will push ahead with his multibillion-dollar economic programme in his priority to “harmonise” Malaysia’s races with a nod to the cleft exposed by Sunday’s polls, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported.


In an interview with the international business news daily yesterday, the prime minister stressed the need to pursue policies that are fair and inclusive even as a Malay newspaper owned by his party harped on about the purported Chinese rejection of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) as the main cause of the coalition’s landmark electoral loss.

“My next task is to harmonise the racial makeup of Malaysia,” Najib (picture) was quoted saying.

“We need to reach out to others. That’s why I spoke about national reconciliation and moderation,” he told WSJ, reiterating his pledge made immediately after winning the 13th general election.

He was reported as saying that once the drama of the elections and their aftermath had passed, the country would find a more even keel.

“We always do.”

But Najib also attributed his coalition’s weaker score in the polls to a “Chinese tsunami”, and appeared to defend the right-wing Utusan Malaysia yesterday when the broadsheet carried a banner headline spread over its wrap-around front cover asking the question “What more do the Chinese want?”

Many pundits and politicians had slammed the paper for its attempt to shape the results of Election 2013 as a Chinese-vs-Malay vote instead of what they saw as an urban-rural rift.

Opposition Cannot Be Selective, Says Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today hit out at the opposition over its reluctance to accept Barisan Nasional's (BN) win at the national level, but accepted their own victory in three states.

Criticising the opposition for their selective attitude, Najib said he found it weird because the decision was made through the same system, based on the people's choice through the 13th General Election last Sunday.

"The weird thing is that they questioned BN's win at the national level, but accepted the results in the states which they won.

"In Kelantan, Selangor and Penang, they are going ahead with appointing the menteris besar and chief minister.

"So, why can't they accept at the national level as they accepted at the state level...don't be selective...when you win, you accept, when you do not win, you do not accept, it cannot be like that," he told reporters after a special meeting with BN parliamentary members at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here.

On the opposition's plan to stage a gathering to protest the BN's win at national level, Najib said that should not happen because there were laws and regulations in the country, through which they could channel their dissatisfaction.

"If (they are) not satisfied, provide evidence, don't stage a gathering," he said.

Time for Umno to rally behind Najib, says Nazri

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has done a fantastic job in helping BN march to victory despite a major onslaught by Pakatan Rakyat, senior Umno members and political analysts said.

They said it was now time for Umno to stand behind Najib and let him continue with his transformation programme and further unite the country.

Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz (left)said the opposition had described the 13th general election as the "mother of all elections" but Najib still managed to lead BN to form a strong government.

"This is a remarkable achievement because after the 2008 tsunami, no general election was going to be easy," the Padang Rengas MP said.

"It was a hard fought battle and the prime minister has helped BN take back the state of Kedah from PAS."

Nazri said that in this time of "crisis" there should not be any talk of changing the leadership of Umno.

He said that it was in times like this that Umno members needed to rally behind their leader.

Umno supreme council member Azalina Othman Said called on all BN leaders to re-look its policies and strategies that the government had implemented previously.

"Following the results of the general election, I find that the disparity between urban and rural voters is very obvious. BN does not want to be known as a rural-based coalition but a coalition that appeals to all forms of society," she said when contacted by The Malay Mail yesterday.

GE13: Najib calm when pestered for comments on Utusan Malaysia’s front page headline

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak kept his cool when a reporter pestered him continuously for comments on Utusan Malaysia's front page headline.

The newspaper had carried the headline titled “Apa lagi Cina mau?” (What more do the Chinese want?) yesterday.

At a press conference held after a closed-door session with Barisan Nasional's newly elected Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister was asked by a reporter to comment on the headline.

Najib replied by explaining how the DAP had manipulated the Chinese into believing they could change the Government.

He then went on to take several more questions before the same reporter asked Najib whether he endorsed Utusan Malaysia's headline as well as the term “Chinese tsunami”.

“What I am saying is that the Opposition created a false assumption that it could change the Government,” he said.

About five minutes later, as Najib was explaining the need for all quarters to terangkan (expose) DAP's tactics, the reporter again interjected by asking: “How do you terangkan when Utusan (Malaysia) came up with a headline like this?”

GE13: Najib: Chinese taken for a ‘good ride’

KUALA LUMPUR: The Opposition, particularly the DAP, has taken the Chinese for a “good ride” by making them believe they could change the government even when bumiputra and Indian support remained with Barisan Nasional, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said that by using the Ubah (Change) slogan, the community was under the impression that it was possible to change the government.

But in reality, he added, the government did not fall even when the majority of the Chinese supported the Opposition.

“This is a blatant lie to the Chinese. They became convinced that by voting for the Opposition, they could change the government.

“The Barisan government has remained intact because in reality, with the bumiputras and the Indians supporting the coalition, the government cannot be changed,” he told a press conference after a closed-door briefing with Barisan's newly-elected MPs.

Najib said the lie by the Opposition was similar to the promise made by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to take over Putrajaya on Sept 16, 2008.

Malaysia’s Developers, Banks to Gain After Vote: Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s property companies and banks including UEM Land Holdings Bhd. (ULHB), CIMB Group Holdings Bhd. (CIMB) and IJM Corp. (IJM) are set to benefit as Prime Minister Najib Razak’s election victory may spur more infrastructure spending. 

Companies that have government ties including Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd. (ASTRO) and SapuraKencana Petroleum Bhd. (SAKP) may also gain from the poll outcome, according to a report by Bank of America Corp.’s Merrill Lynch unit. CIMB (CIMB), the nation’s second- biggest bank by market value, is headed by Najib’s brother Nazir Razak.

The premier’s ruling Barisan Nasional coalition won 133 seats in the 222-member parliament at the May 5 polls, giving him the mandate to deliver on $444 billion of infrastructure and other investment plans by 2020. The Malaysian stock gauge and currency surged the most in Asia yesterday following the election results, with the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index (FBMKLCI) rising to a record.

“Najib and his government can push through the reforms and pump in the fiscal infrastructure,” David Poh, Singapore-based regional head of portfolio-management solutions at the private banking unit of Societe Generale SA, which manages the equivalent of $113 billion. “The whole economic growth is going to be positive.”

Idris Jala, who oversees the country’s economic transformation, said Malaysia’s pipeline of investment is “very healthy.” The country should have “very robust growth” following the elections, Jala, minister in the Prime Minister’s department in Najib’s Cabinet before the election, said in a Bloomberg Television interview with Haslinda Amin.

His majesty congratulates Najib on election win

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to send a message of congratulations to Dato Laila Utama Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, following the victory of the Barisan Nasional party in Malaysia’s 13th general elections on Sunday and on his reappointment as the Prime Minister of Malaysia yesterday, Borneo Bulletin reported.

His Majesty also sent a message of congratulations to Tan Sri Dato’ Hj Muhyiddin bin Hj Mohammad Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, on the Party’s election victory.

In the message to Hato Laila Utama Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib, His Majesty stated that the success of the Barisal’ Nasional party in these elections represented the continued confidence of the Malaysian people in the leadership of Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib and the seat of government of Barisan Nasional.

His Majesty prayed that Malaysia would continue to prosper and develop further and was also confident that the close friendship and understanding that existed between the two countries would continue to be enhanced and preserved in the years to come under the leadership of Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib.

His Majesty prayed that Allah the Almighty blesses the Malaysian Prime Minister and his family with good health, as well as guidance and wisdom in all his work.

GE13: Najib sworn in as PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has taken the oath of office as Prime Minister before Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at Balai Rong Seri in Istana Negara.

Also present was Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.

Najib, accompanied by wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was sworn in at 4.07pm yesterday before the same King who witnessed the oath taking by his father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, as the second prime minister of Malaysia in 1970.

In Sunday's general election, Barisan Nasional returned to power when it won 133 of the 222 parliamentary seats to form the Federal Government.

Also present at the ceremony were former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and leaders of Barisan component parties, according to Bernama.

Meanwhile, outside Istana Negara, YVONNE LIM reported that tourists gathered to catch a glimpse of the 59-year-old Prime Minister.

Camera shutters flickered as Najib approached the palace gates at 3.50pm in a black Proton Perdana, accompanied by outriders.

He then wound down his car window to salute the palace Guard of Honour as he entered the compound.
He wore a dark coloured baju Melayu and a gold-coloured songket.

Despite the brief afternoon rain, reporters waited for close to two hours outside the gates in hopes of speaking to the Prime Minister.

BN govt willing to listen to the people: Muhyiddin

KUALA LUMPUR: In the spirit of accountability as a government picked by the people, the Barisan Nasional (BN) is always prepared to listen to the people and accept their advice and criticism in providing the best service to them, said BN deputy chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said the mandate given by the people to continue helming the nation was a huge trust which must be carried out properly.

"We have made an undertaking to the people in our 13th general election (GE13) manifesto, which, God willing, we will carry out to the best of our ability. 

"With the mandate too, the BN government will be able to continue its transformation efforts, and, God willing, we can achieve the aspiration of becoming a developed nation with high income by 2020," he said in a statement, here, today. 

Congratulating Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who took his oath of office as Prime Minister today, he said the BN chairman had successfully led the coalition to victory in GE13.

Najib Victory Expected to Open Malaysia’s IPO Pipeline

Billions of dollars in initial public offerings are expected to move forward now that Malaysia’s national election is over, as the country seeks to retain its crown as Southeast Asia’s top IPO market.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak’s National Front Coalition won a majority of parliamentary seats on Sunday, which should enable him to press ahead with a series of ambitious reforms to accelerate economic growth and deepen the country’s financial markets. The victory also clears away any political uncertainty.

“Malaysia is one of the favorite destinations for investors who have the mandate to invest in Southeast Asia.

Fundraising activity is expected to pick up now the election is out of the way,” said Jeff Zajowski J.P. Morgan's JPM -1.06% head of equity capital markets for Asia Pacific.

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“There’s been strong investor demand and offerings had been delayed by the election.”

Among the deals seen moving forward are two expected to raise around US$1 billion each–the planned IPO of Westports Bhd., partly owned by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing, and that of power company Malakoff Corp.

Other deals in the works include a US$500 million offering by industrial conglomerate UMW Holding’s Bhd., and an IPO by Iskandar Waterfront Holdings Sdn., a real estate developer focused on Malaysia’s southern Johor state, that is expected to raise up to US$300 million.

PHL congratulates re-election of Malaysian PM Najib; seeks close cooperation

Malaysia's ruling party reelected; extends 56-year rule. Malaysian PM Najib Razak (left) and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin share a light moment after winning the elections at his party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur early Sunday. Malaysia's governing coalition won a tight national election on May 6 to extend its 56-year rule, fending off an opposition alliance that pledged to clean up politics and end race-based policies in Southeast Asia's third-largest economy. Reuters/Bazuki Muhammad

The Philippines on Monday congratulated Malaysian Prime Minster Najib Razak and his ruling party, Barisan Nasional, on their victory at the 13th Malaysian General Elections last May 5.

 

“We value Prime Minister Najib’s personal commitment to the Philippines-Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace talks and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, and we will continue to work closely with him in our common aspiration for peace and security,” a DFA statement said.

 

Malaysia is brokering the ongoing peace talks between the Philippine government and the MILF rebels.

 

“We look forward to the further deepening of our bilateral relations and continuing our close cooperation, especially in the areas of socio-economic growth and the welfare of our peoples,” it added.

(Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com)

Malaysian PM Najib sworn in after election win

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak (R) reads his oath declaration in front of Malaysia's King Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (not pictured) as he is sworn in for his second term as prime minister at the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. (AFP/Malaysia Information Ministry)

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Razak was sworn in for a second term by Malaysia's king on Monday, a day after his 56-year-old ruling coalition retained power in a general election.

"I, Najib Razak, who has been appointed as prime minister, swear that I will honestly fulfill my duty to the best of my ability to uphold and protect the constitution," he said during a ceremony in the ornate national palace in Kuala Lumpur.

In the 13th general election on Sunday, the Barisan Nasional was returned to power, winning 133 of the 222 parliamentary seats to form the new federal government.

(Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com)

Cambodian PM greets Malaysia’s Najib for victory in general election

PHNOM PENH, May 6 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday expressed congratulations to Malaysia’s ruling Barisan Nasional Chairman Najib Razak on his party’s victory in the general election on Sunday.

“From here, I’d like to congratulate His Excellency Najib Razak for, once again, winning in the general election and continuing to lead the Malaysian government in the next five years. We will continue to work together,” Hun Sen said during a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a road in Kampong Speu province.

Barisan retained power by winning 133 parliamentary seats, a simple majority in the 222-seat lower house of parliament.

Najib took over as Malaysian prime minister in 2009 and was sworn in as the prime minister for a second term Monday afternoon.

(Source: http://www.nzweek.com)

Malaysia GE13: PM Lee congratulates PM Najib on his victory

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak on his victory in Sunday's general election.

Mr Lee made a telephone call to Mr Najib on Monday afternoon, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

"Prime Minister Lee said that he looked forward to continue working with Prime Minister Najib to strengthen ties. Both Prime Ministers agreed to further enhance our close bilateral partnership," MFA said in a statement.

Mr Lee has also written a congratulatory letter to Mr Najib.

In his letter, Mr Lee also congratulated Mr Najib on his win in his seat in Pekan, Pahang.

"The Barisan Nasional's convincing win reflects your people's confidence in your leadership and the value they placed on continuity and stability.

"This was a particularly hard-fought general election, but you ran a strong campaign that focused on your people's concerns and persuaded them of your vision for Malaysia," Mr Lee wrote.

"I wish you all the best in your next term of Government. I look forward to continue working with you to deepen our bilateral cooperation.

"As we discussed at our Leaders' Retreat in February, our countries have large and growing stakes in each other's success. Let us strengthen our close partnership for the benefit of both our peoples."

(Source: http://www.straitstimes.com)