Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak mounted a strong defence of Malaysia, the state of the nation and the Government's record since he took office in 2009.
In his speech, entitled 'Leadership in Challenging Times', delivered at the Malaysian Institute of Management’s 26th annual Tunku Abdul Rahman lecture on Thursday, Najib also refuted criticism that has been directed against Malaysia and the Government in recent months.
Providing an overview of the country’s economic progress since his Government came to office, the Prime Minister highlighted that:
On the social front, the Prime Minister noted that his Government has overseen the greatest expansion of liberties in the country’s history.
This has included, amongst others, the repeal of the ISA and Emergency Ordinances, the Banishment Act, and the Restricted Residences Act - and the introduction of legislation such as the Peaceful Assembly Act, which changed the law to allow Malaysia’s vibrant student community to participate in politics.
Despite this, the Prime Minister noted that the Government was being attacked for not taking care of the people’s rights, and refuted these allegations by stating:
However, the Prime Minister made clear that “with freedom comes responsibility”, stating:
“This is why my government intends to implement international standards to regulate the Internet - and I specifically say regulate, not restrict - so that none should have to suffer being criminally defamed, and so that the internet does not become an ungoverned space dominated by insults and untruths.”
On the international stage, the Prime Minister highlighted some of Malaysia’s recent successes as evident in the country’s chairmanship of ASEAN, its election to the UN Security Council, and its improved relationships with countries such as the US and China.
These represent just a few examples of the country’s increasing leadership and growing stature in the global arena.
Drawing a contrast between the leadership displayed by Malaysia and the Government on one hand, and the actions of certain figures within the country on the other, the Prime Minister suggested it was time for others to consider what kind of leadership they are providing for Malaysia.
“There are those who constantly oppose, purely for the sake of opposition, rather than supporting policies that benefit and unite Malaysians. Instead, they seek to divide and to cause confusion. There are others who put personal gain over that of the country. That is not honouring the legacy of the leaders who made this country great.”
Concluding the lecture, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Tunku Abdul Rahman, stating his commitment to honor the former Prime Minister’s memory by displaying responsible leadership and overcoming the current challenges to secure a better Malaysia for all.
In his speech, entitled 'Leadership in Challenging Times', delivered at the Malaysian Institute of Management’s 26th annual Tunku Abdul Rahman lecture on Thursday, Najib also refuted criticism that has been directed against Malaysia and the Government in recent months.
Providing an overview of the country’s economic progress since his Government came to office, the Prime Minister highlighted that:
On the social front, the Prime Minister noted that his Government has overseen the greatest expansion of liberties in the country’s history.
This has included, amongst others, the repeal of the ISA and Emergency Ordinances, the Banishment Act, and the Restricted Residences Act - and the introduction of legislation such as the Peaceful Assembly Act, which changed the law to allow Malaysia’s vibrant student community to participate in politics.
Despite this, the Prime Minister noted that the Government was being attacked for not taking care of the people’s rights, and refuted these allegations by stating:
“If anyone doubts that Malaysians are at liberty to find fault with the government, they should spend a few moments looking online. We are acutely aware of the criticisms levelled at the government - and we are listening. Unlike in many other countries in the developing world, however, no one will ever be arrested or prosecuted for the legitimate expression of their opinions.”
However, the Prime Minister made clear that “with freedom comes responsibility”, stating:
“This is why my government intends to implement international standards to regulate the Internet - and I specifically say regulate, not restrict - so that none should have to suffer being criminally defamed, and so that the internet does not become an ungoverned space dominated by insults and untruths.”
On the international stage, the Prime Minister highlighted some of Malaysia’s recent successes as evident in the country’s chairmanship of ASEAN, its election to the UN Security Council, and its improved relationships with countries such as the US and China.
These represent just a few examples of the country’s increasing leadership and growing stature in the global arena.
Drawing a contrast between the leadership displayed by Malaysia and the Government on one hand, and the actions of certain figures within the country on the other, the Prime Minister suggested it was time for others to consider what kind of leadership they are providing for Malaysia.
“There are those who constantly oppose, purely for the sake of opposition, rather than supporting policies that benefit and unite Malaysians. Instead, they seek to divide and to cause confusion. There are others who put personal gain over that of the country. That is not honouring the legacy of the leaders who made this country great.”
Concluding the lecture, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Tunku Abdul Rahman, stating his commitment to honor the former Prime Minister’s memory by displaying responsible leadership and overcoming the current challenges to secure a better Malaysia for all.
