Transformation is best for us, says PM

STAY THE COURSE: ‘Abrupt changes in govt will affect growth, peace’

PEKAN: THE government’s transformation agenda is a better way to help the people compared with the “reformasi” concept championed by the opposition.

This has been proven by the various forms of assistance and initiatives introduced under the Government

Transformation Programme that have improved the lives of the people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the abrupt changes brought about by “reformasi” and revolution would affect the continuity of development and peace in the country.

“If reform involves demonstrations and hurling chairs (during party elections) then it is definitely not good for the people,” he said, adding that history had also shown that the results of a revolution would not necessarily give the people a better tomorrow.

“Through our transformation agenda, the people get various forms of assistance including the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) and cash aid for students while Felda families received RM15,000 each,” he said at the “Goger Sekampung” feast at Bandar Dara, Chini near here yesterday.

Goger is a local term used to describe the chaotic scene during a gotong royong for a feast.

Najib joins thousands at record ‘yee sang’ event

KUALA LUMPUR: Thousands of Malaysians made history tossing a 999m-long yee sang along Jalan Bukit Bintang here yesterday.

The yee sang, a Chinese New Year delicacy, was prepared by 99 chefs and has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the longest of its kind in the country, beating last year's record an 880m spread by Mydin Wholesale Emporium.
 
The yee sang was laid out on several rows of joint tables.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, along with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah, also took part in the event.

The CNY festival was organised by event planning company Human Voyage, and was also attended by 488 Chinese associations from all over the nation, including 282 temple committees.

The crowd was also entertained by drum performances, 333 lion dancers from various dance troupes and local artistes including Jaclyn Victor, Athena Beh and Shila Amzah.

Najib makes historic visit to Dong Zong open house

Hello: Najib greeting a lion dance performer while Yap (right) and Dr Chua look on.

 

KAJANG: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made a historic appearance at the Chinese New Year open house of the United Chinese School Committees Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong) here when he became the first Prime Minister to grace the event since the association was formed in 1954.

Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also came to the function but both of them arrived at different times and did not meet face-to-face yesterday.

The hosts feted Najib and Anwar separately with festive delicacies and cultural performances, and not missing the traditional yee sang toss to symbolise abundance, prosperity and good health.

20,000 Johoreans greet Najib at state-level CNY celebrations

SENAI: Despite the wet weather, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was greeted by about 20,000 Johoreans at the state-level Chinese New Year celebrations at the Econsave supermarket grounds here.

The Prime Minister's arrival at 3.37pm was greeted with the traditional Chinese lion dance and drum troupe at the venue's entrance.

Najib, who was decked out in a red shirt, was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, state Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, non-governmental organisation leaders and also community leaders.

The crowds took the brief opportunity to meet the Prime Minister and also shake his hand before the dignitaries took their seats.

Later, the Johor state anthem and Negaraku were sung by those presnt before the event continued.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was greeted by about 10,000 Johoreans at the state-level Chinese New Year celebrations at the Econsave supermarket grounds in Johor.

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

PM: Malaysians should respect all cultures in the country

GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said he specifically learnt to play the drums in a special Chinese New Year advertisement to show his commitment to engage with the Chinese community.

"I want the Chinese community to know that I respect the Chinese culture," he added.

He also said that all Malaysians should respect the Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures in the country.

"This is the underpinning, fundamental value of 1Malaysia," he said during his speech at a dinner with the media here on Sunday.

Najib said that 1Malaysia was about unity and not about politics.

"We must rise above politics and think of the nation. As your Prime Minister, I am dedicated to bringing Malaysia to greater heights," he said.

He also said that he would not perform the Gangnam style dance at the Barisan Nasional Chinese New Year open house on Monday.

"The open house tomorrow (Monday) is for the people of Penang, because I want to be connected to the people of Penang.

"Penang is an important state for us - it is a jewel," he said, adding that a lot could be done for the state.\

(Source: The Star Online)

PM surprises with walkabout along Gurney Drive

Spoilt for choice: Najib selecting the ingredients for his ‘rojak pasembur’ at the Gurney Drive Food Court in George Town, Penang. Looking on is Rosmah.

 

GEORGE TOWN: Holidaymakers along Gurney Drive did a double take when they saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak walking along the famous promenade.

The premier went on a walkabout after attending a media dinner at G Hotel and trying various delicacies at the hawker centre on Sunday night.

Teacher Asni Annuar, 40, from Gombak, Selangor, who was holidaying with her husband Sulai­man Yaakub, 46, and three children, said she was thrilled to meet the Prime Minister.

“Not only did I get to shake hands with him, my children also each received an angpow,” she said.

Chew Cheong, 80, who drove from Kuala Lumpur with 15 family members in four cars for the holiday, said this was his first time seeing Najib in person.

Najib fetes senior citizens, disabled, orphans in conjunction with CNY

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak (centre) tossing yee sang during a Chinese New Year high tea event with residents of welfare homes.

KAJANG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak feted senior citizens, the disabled and orphans from five welfare homes in Selangor to a high tea function Saturday, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.

Najib, accompanied by his youngest son, Nor Ashman, spent about an hour at the event organised by Selangor Barisan Nasional.

He tossed the yee sang, a dish symbolising prosperity and all things auspicious, with more than 500 guests.

Rousiianna Karina Lim, 71, from the Sri Kenangan Home in Cheras, described the meeting with Najib as "a wish come true".

Najib: BN will solve Penang's housing and traffic woes

GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says he came to celebrate Chinese New Year with Penangites this year as he wanted to listen to their woes and needs.

"I am listening to the people of Penang, who want more affordable housing. I want to commit that we will deliver 20,000 units of affordable houses in the next five years.

"I commit the Government to solving traffic woes here by implementing a monorail system.

"I also commit for us to build a road dispersal system in Penang as well as improve the public transportation system here," he said.

Najib stressed that the people could rely on the Barisan Nasional government because when it made promises, it delivered them.

He said Barisan wanted to give its best for Penang, adding that the best of Penang has yet to come.

Najib at the Barisan Chinese New Year open house held at the Han Chiang School field in Penang on Monday.

Najib wants to get close to Penang Chinese

GEORGETOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he wants to get closer to the Chinese community in Penang and to better understand their sentiments.

Najib said this was encapsulated, among others in the video he made, which was posted on Youtube recently.

In the video, Najib was seen to be among the Chinese community during a Chinese New Year celebration and played the drum much to the amazement of everyone in the clip.

Najib said the reason he did the video was because he wanted to get closer to the Chinese community.

"The underpining message in the video is the show of respect to the Chinese culture.

"If you want your culture to be respected, you need to respect all cultures including the Malay, Indian and the Chinese.

 "And of course I had to learn how to play the drum," he said in his speech when hosting Penang media to a dinner.

Among those present were State BN chairman Teng Chang Yeow, State Umno liaison chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman and Tasik Gelugor MP Tan Sri Nor Yakcop.

Najib and family blend with public at Gurney Drive

GEORGE TOWN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak struck of one of the items on his Penang to-do list when he took time out to take a stroll at Gurney Drive and to enjoy supper at the famed Anjung Gurney food court here.

He was accompanied by wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, with children Norashman Razak and Nooryana Najwa with her husband Daniyar Nazarbayev.

Najib and Rosmah then sampled various famous Penang food- laksa, sotong bakar, and pasembur accompanied with a glass of iced  fresh sugarcane drink.

They were also accompanied by state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow, state Umno chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman, Minister in Prime Minister's Department Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop and other BN leaders.

Earlier, he handed out red packets (ang pow) during his walkabout to the surprise of many who were taking a stroll at the famed Gurney Drive promenade.

He shook hands, smiled, and greeted Gong Xi Fa Cai in the traditional Chinese-style clenched fists gesture.

Najib says wants to do things differently this year

Najib tosses yee sang with media representatives at the dinner.

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 10 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said his involvement in making the Chinese New Year video clip is to make a difference in this year’s celebration.

Najib said it was also a gesture of appreciation and respect for the Chinese culture so that the people would respect the cultures of other races in this country.

“The video clip you saw is very different and some may ask why I did the video. I did the video because I wanted to do things differently this year.

“It gives a message to the Chinese community that I respect the Chinese culture. As much as you should respect the Malay culture, you should respect the Indian culture and also the Chinese culture,” he said in a brief speech at a Chinese New Year media night at G Hotel here tonight.

Government to continue helping SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has assured small and medium enterprises of continued assistance for the sector to play a more cohe-sive role as the nation's engine of growth as planned, said the Prime Minister.

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the SME sector recorded many achievements and that the Government played an integral role in their success stories.

Najib said SME presently contributed 32.5% to Malaysia's gross domestic product (GDP) and the target was to reach 41% by 2020.

He pointed out that without easy access to loan facilities, including from Tekun the special fund set up to assist the sector it would be almost impossible for SME entrepreneurs to conduct businesses.

MCA welcomes Najib and Barisan top leaders at open house

KUALA LUMPUR: The spirit of 1Malaysia was evident as thousands of people from all walks of life thronged MCA's Chinese New Year open house on Sunday.

The celebration hosted by the party took a unique twist this year as it is held away from MCA headquarters where the event is usually held.

Najib CNY 2013 video

Najib looks forward to delicious food and PSY's performance in Penang

KUALA LUMPUR: Food. Glorious food. Datuk Seri Najib Razak is looking forward to delicious food in Penang tomorrow.

The prime minister also expressed excitement to be with Penang residents to watch Korean dance phenomenon Park Jae-sang or Psy, perform his mesmerising Gangnam-style dance moves, and local singer Shila Amzah render her hits on Monday.

 

Psy will be the highlight of the 1Malaysia Chinese New Year Open House organised by Barisan Nasional at the Han Chiang College.

An estimated 80,000 people are expected to attend the four-hour open house, beginning 9am.

"Looking forward to delicious food in beautiful Penang tomorrow, and also excited to be with Penangites watching Psy Oppa and Shila Amzah perform," he said in his Twitter today.

Tomorrow, Najib will also be attending a few events such as MCA's Chinese New Year Open House and Hi-Tea with Chinese community leaders. -- BERNAMA

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

Doing More For the Chinese Community in 2013

The Chinese lunar calendar’s most important festival, Chinese New Year is just around the corner. Already, Malaysia has begun easing into the festive mood, with beautiful red decorations and Chinese New Year music being played by vendors.

Some families have even begun decorating their porches with red lanterns in anticipation. Soon, we can look forward to another merry celebration. I myself am looking forward to having some yeesang, a truly marvellous dish soon. During this time of year, numerous dishes from different origins are savoured. Yee Sang is one such traditional dish which is symbolic of good luck, prosperity and health.

PM: Chinese community an integral part of nation

PETALING JAYA: Chinese New Year, the most important festival in the Lunar calendar, serves as a reminder of the Chinese community's importance to Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said he could not imagine a Malaysia lacking Chinese culture, which was so tightly interwoven into society.

“My father, the late Tun Abdul Razak, was very clear on his stance towards the Chinese community who have helped in the development of our country in many ways since we achieved independence. And I share in his vision,” he said in his Chinese New Year message on his blog www.1malaysia.com.my.

Najib said that this enthusiasm had been passed down to another generation his son Ashman, who speaks fluent Mandarin.

Wishing Gong Xi Fa Cai and Happy Chinese New Year to the Chinese, he said he was looking forward to having some yee sang, which he described as a “truly marvellous dish” and is a symbol of good luck, prosperity and health.

On the Barisan Nasional Govern-ment's support towards the Chinese community, Najib said he understood the importance of having open channels to better understand the needs of the community.

“Through my Ah Jib Gor Facebook page alone, we sifted through many suggestions which have formed part of the basis of Budget 2013,” he added.

Najib and Nor Ashman extend Chinese New Year greetings on air in Mandarin

PETALING JAYA: Radio listeners were pleasantly surprised to hear Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak speaking with his youngest son, Nor Ashman, on air in Mandarin.

Najib and his 22-year-old son were featured in a 40-second Chinese New Year radio advertisement that went on air yesterday.

The advertisement started with a female narrator saying: “Hey, someone is learning to speak Mandarin”.

“Na Ji. Wo shi Na Ji (I am Najib),” said Najib as his son, who has previously studied Mandarin at the Beijing Foreign Studies University, corrected his pronunciation.

The narrator then went on to say: “What a surprise it is, our Prime Minister. And who is teaching him to speak Mandarin?”

Nor Ashman then asked his father if he knew the meaning of his name in Chinese, to which the Prime Minister replied: “Yes, I was told that it means to embrace luck and all positive things in life.

Najib then asked his son the meaning of his Chinese name, to which Nor Ashman responded: “Si ji ping an (Peace for all seasons)”.