Exposition of success
Achievements have changed people’s mindset; there’s so much more that we can do, says Najib
MALAYSIA is a successful nation that is on the right track despite naysayers claiming otherwise, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Describing the government’s infrastructural development efforts as “infra-rakyat”, Najib said achievements like the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project had changed the people’s mindset.
“If we can do the MRT, then there is so much more that we can do, and God-willing, we will. You will see for yourself.
“The future (that we have been talking about) is not an empty promise and not just a fantasy because if we cannot deliver, then we will not make promises to the people.
“The ‘infra-rakyat’ has many benefits. Not only have we provided facilities to the people, but we also changed their mindset.
“They feel optimistic and are confident that their future is in the hands of those who can bring them far forward as a government,” he said during the launch of Expo Negaraku 2017 at Dataran Merdeka last night.
He said the MRT had not only improved the lives of people who lived along the route, but also businesses in the areas.
“Six years ago, several business owners along the Bukit Bintang MRT station protested the construction. I told them that their ownership (of the business) would not be affected and that its value would go up.
“Today, I was told that they are all satisfied with the project. Some business owners even came to me to express regret that their businesses are not near the MRT.
“I was also told that in Kajang, satay sellers are getting increased sales due to the MRT station there.”
He reminded the people not to be swayed by his detractors’ promises, and that Malaysia was on the right track.
“In short, your future is in our hands. There is no need to look left or right. Hold fast to what is in front of you.
“I just got back from the Apec (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and Asean Summits and (I believe) Malaysia is a successful nation on the international stage that cannot be belittled.
“World leaders from China and the United States and prime ministers of various countries respect our country.
“The ones who disrespect us are the few in this country. Believe me, we are on the right track, God-willing.”
Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, accompanied by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan, toured around the expo.
Rahman, in his welcoming remarks, said the government hoped to achieve balance through the expo.
“It is the prime minister’s and my aspiration that visitors not only gain knowledge on infrastructure interactively, but also be entertained and foster unity in our multiracial society.”
Hosted by local celebrity Awal Ashaari, the launch also featured performances by local artistes, such as Faizal Tahir. Present were cabinet ministers, including Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
Organised by the Prime Minister’s Department and initiated by the Economic Planning Unit, the large-scale exhibition was to showcase the government’s effort in developing ultra-modern infrastructural and developmental projects for the public.
The month-long expo kicked off yesterday and will end on Dec 15. It is open from 10am to 10pm. Entrance is free.
Covering more than 60 per cent of the exhibition floor are five eye-catching white domes that link at the main entrance.
The interactive exhibition is divided into different infrastructure sectors, such as telecommunication, energy and transportation.
The expo’s weekly themes include “Health and Wellbeing”, “Our Taste”, “Culture and Tourism”, “Traditional Games” and “Activities and Games”.
Besides light shows at the giant dome every evening, there will also be concerts as well as futsal and go-kart competitions.
Suitable for all ages, the event is expected to draw 500,000 visitors, with each spending 45 to 60 minutes to experience the whole exhibition.
Page 1 pic: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, watching a ‘show’ in a dome at Expo Negaraku 2017 in Dataran Merdeka yesterday.