PM: Let’s find common ground
Najib reaches out to Chinese community to build a more progressive nation
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak reaches out to Chinese community to build a more progressive nation.
DATUK Seri Najib Tun Razak is reaching out to the Chinese community for common ground to build a more progressive nation although the community overwhelmingly rejected the Government in the 13th general election.
The Prime Minister said he hoped the Chinese would support the Government and realise that the future of Malaysia could only be a success if they forged a closer working relationship with the Malay- bumiputra community, who formed 67% of the country’s population.
“They may be persuaded to vote for the Opposition for certain reasons, but looking beyond the GE, I am reaching out and saying, ‘Look let’s find a common ground, let’s find policies that would not just be Chinese-centric but Malaysian in nature, so that we can truly develop Malaysia’,” he said.
Najib made these remarks on Thursday when asked by a member of the Council of Foreign Relations about the state of relationship between the Government and the Chinese community and about the reports that anti-Chinese sentiments were on the rise.
He was invited to speak at the council, whose members are movers and shakers in American society.
In his reply, Najib showed the 1Malaysia badge on his coat lapel and explained that 1Malaysia called for an inclusive society.
To another question on preferences for the Malays, he noted that if 67% of the bumiputra population, which also included non-Muslims in Sabah and Sarawak, were left behind, it would not be good for the country politically.
“It is going to lead to longterm instability.
“What we want in Malaysia is to see a fair, equitable and inclusive society, so that wealth is fairly distributed,” he said.
He added that affirmative action had not held back non-bumiputras from being successful.
“If you don’t take corrective action, you will get a society where the divide will get worse in years to come.”