MORE SUCCESS WITH CHINESE SUPPORT
PM lauds hardworking Hokkiens, says unity vital to progress
THE country can achieve higher economic success in future with the Chinese community’s support for the Federal Government’s transformation policies.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government had always recognised the contributions of the Chinese community in developing the economy, and hoped that they would continue to strive for success.
“As a government, we have always recognised the contributions of the Chinese community in Malaysia’s economic development, in particular the Hokkien community, which represents the vast majority of successful entrepreneurs and corporate figures.
“I believe 80 per cent of the top 10 successful entrepreneurs in this country are Hokkien, and also the vast majority of Tan Sris awarded to the Chinese community are Hokkien.
“This is indicative of the special qualities that the Fujian Chinese community had been able to display, particularly their work ethics. I believe they are hardworking and entrepreneurial.
“So, my congratulations to the Hokkien community. And I hope that you will continue to be as entrepreneurial and innovative as possible, so that we can bring Malaysia to the next level of growth and development,” said Najib at the Malaysian Fujian Exemplary Leaders and Outstanding Entrepreneurs Awards dinner here last night.
Najib said the country aspired to be one of the world’s leading economies, and he believed much more could be achieved in future with the Chinese believing and supporting the national transformation policy. He said the people must be mindful to be innovative and creative, as the country could not depend on natural resources as much as it used to.
Najib also reminded the people to ensure that the country was ruled by a moderate government.
“I can give you the undertaking that the current Barisan Nasional government in power will continue with our moderate policy, so that we can appeal to all ethnic groups in the country.
“We must ensure there is a fair government, we must ensure it is an inclusive government. And we must ensure that the government can represent the aspirations of all communities,” he said, citing the support for vernacular schools as how fair and just the BN government was.
Touching on Malaysia’s cultural diversity, Najib said it was a source of strength for the country if all Malaysians appreciated and harnessed it together.
He said the recent Kuala Lumpur 2017 Sea Games was an example of national unity, where all citizens came out to support the country’s athletes.
“I am confident that this spirit of togetherness will ensure that Malaysia will progress even further, because the basis of our success will be national unity.
“We must have a sense of togetherness and a sense of pride for being Malaysians. We must feel that when a Malaysian sportsman wins, we all win.
“And that is the feeling we all must have. We must be proud to be Malaysian, and wants to see all Malaysians succeed.”
The event saw 62 Malaysian Hokkien outstanding entrepreneurs and exemplary leaders from various fields receiving awards from Najib.