PM: Govt breaking quota system to encourage high calibre youth

Published: Saturday June 12, 2010 MYT 8:06:00 PM
Updated: Saturday June 12, 2010 MYT 9:56:50 PM
PM: Govt breaking quota system to encourage high calibre youth
By SIRA HABIBU

KUALA LUMPUR: The quota system and special consideration will no longer be defended in a move to harness global champions.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the philosophy of merely defending the quota system and special consideration must change.

“We will give aid to youths who are willing to work hard to succeed until they become global champions.

“If they are determined, the government will assist them,’’ he said to the cheers of 15,000 youths participating in 1Malaysia rally organised by Barisan Nasional Youth at Stadium Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak speaking at 1Malaysia rally organised by Barisan Nasional Youth at Stadium Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

Najib said the government would also provide assistance to all citizens in need, regardless of their ethnic background.

Najib also called on the youths not to be fearful in striding forward, as the government would help them overcome obstacles.

“Have no fear, the Barisan Nasional is here,’’ he said, adding the government aim to harness national, regional and global champions.

“Youths are idealistic. They want to do something to make the world a better place.

“They have idealism and energy. We can harness their latent talent to bring about great changes to the country,’’ he said, adding that the government’s approach was to accommodate youths.

Najib said the government also aimed to make Malaysia one of the top five globally competitive nations.

“We now rank among the top 10 on the global competitive index from 18th spot last year.

“We are in a better position than our colonial masters.

“We are also 13 spots higher than Japan,’’ he said, adding no other OIC or NAM nations had made it to the top 10 list.

He also called on the Opposition not to mock Malaysia’s achievements.

“We have achieved global recognition, but the Opposition are in denial,’’ he said.

He also called on opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim not to belittle Malaysia.

“We know what he did,’’ he said.

Najib also pointed out the Malaysia’s growth rate of 10.1% was among the highest in the world, adding that countries like Portugal, Spain and Britain were under economic stress.

Najib also praised Barisan youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin for organising the mammoth gathering of youths.

“There are indications that the youths are no longer anti establishment, they are no longer rejecting the Barisan government.”

At the event, Najib also launched the 1Malaysia Rally bus.

“This bus will carry the image, spirit and symbol of Barisan Nasional and 1Malaysia as it travels around the country,’’ he said.