Najib: Abrupt change, like in Egypt, is dangerous

LONDON - Malaysians should take a leaf out of the ongoing political turmoil in Egypt and be aware of the danger of changes that comes in an abrupt manner, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"Change, if improperly managed, will be disastrous for the country," he said.

"While change is good for prosperity and stability, it has to be managed well or else people will suffer because the change did not end up as expected.

"And if that happens, those wanting the changes in the first place will want another change and any uprising will lead to instability.

"Subsequently, such situations will lead to problems such as soaring consumer prices and unemployment that will impact businesses, especially on tourism."

The Prime Minister was speaking to Malaysian journalists after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Battersea Power Station project here yesterday.

In Sepang, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said there was no immediate need to evacuate Malaysian students in Egypt.

"But if the situation worsens, we will launch our evacuation plan and bring our students home," he said after visiting the site of the KLIA2 project yesterday.

Hishammuddin, who is the coordinating minister to oversee the safety of students in Egypt, said Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Ahmad was discussing with the National Security Council on emergency measures if the situation in Egypt worsens.

Hishammuddin also said the volatile situation in Egypt and several Middle Eastern countries proved that the Malaysian Govern­ment's wisdom in implementing moderate policies while allowing people to express themselves peacefully and within the law was good.

"However, some people in Malaysia choose to continue with the politics of hate and create divisions among the people.

"For those whose statements contradict their actions, history will ultimately judge them accordingly," he said, referring to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's objection to the removal of Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi by a military coup.

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