Najib working towards easing of NEP

Najib working towards easing of NEP
Oct 25, 2008
The Star

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says he is working towards the gradual liberalisation of the New Economic Policy (NEP) and elements of this can be seen in the not too distant future.

The Deputy Prime Minister said there should be gradual liberalisation of the NEP as and when bumiputras begin to feel more confident of competing with others domestically and globally.

Najib added that he was glad to note more bumiputras were becoming confident of competing and doing well.

"I am working towards a gradual liberalisation. In the not too distant future, we will see the elements of it," he said during a televised Bloomberg interview.

He was asked if he believed in working towards the eradication of the NEP, an affirmative action introduced in 1970 to help bring bumiputras at par with other races in terms of business, education, economic participation and work opportunities.

Najib, who is expected to take over as Prime Minister in March, said the needs and legitimate concerns of every community in the country should be addressed and the Government should be seen as being serious about solving their problems.

"I welcome the challenge to make the Government and Barisan Nasional appeal to all sections of the community," he said.

Najib, who is the Finance Minister, denied that he was in a state of denial by saying that the country was not going to face a recession.

"I have the numbers. I have the figures. I am not in a state of denial. The International Monetary Fund has come out to openly say that we are likely to achieve 4.8% growth next year," he said.

He added that Malaysia was likely to achieve 5% this year and he would revise and announce next year's expected growth rate soon.

Najib said the economy remained the main issue for the people and they were looking to the Govern- ment for leadership.

"We must give the people a sense that while we are facing huge challenges because of the global situation, we are able to steer the country to a direction that will give confidence," he said.

Najib said there would not be any re-pegging of the Malaysian ringgit under any circumstances.

On his vision for the country

for the next five to 10 years, Najib said he would only state it after March.

"My concept is performance based. I believe a leader must perform. I would like to be seen as a transformational leader," he said.

Asked if was going to be a big projects man when he took over, Najib said he did not want to be put into a particular category.

Najib said he had his own concept of development and it had to be a balanced and holistic one.

On the murder case of Mongolian Altantuya Shariibuu, Najib again denied that he had anything to do with it and stressed that he did not know the woman.

"I wouldn't stay in office a day longer if I am involved," he said.

Asked why he did not sue those who claimed he was involved, Najib said: "I can sue people but the process is tedious. And witnesses can lie in court."