Govt Values Role Played By NGOs In Nationbuilding - PM

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 6 (Bernama)-- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the government always appreciated and recognised the role and contributions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in efforts to develop the country.

As an open and rational government, he said it always heard the voice, views and ideas that were contructive from NGOs in the country in the interest of the people and nation.

"In the latest political landscape following the process of globalisation and advances in Information and Communciations Technology (ICT) and the like, the role played by NGOs has never been more important.

"As such, as a government, besides getting support from political bodies and various institutions, we cannot ignore the role played by NGOs in the country.

"My message is, the recognition of NGOS in the context of nation building cannot be understated. The voice and role of NGOs is growing more and more important by the day.

"As the government, it is only right that we give due space and opportunities so that the role of NGOs will be taken into consideration by the government," he said.

Najib said this at a Hari Raya gathering for Malay NGOs at Seri Perdana in Putrajaya, Friday.

Also present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and leaders representing 45 Malay NGOs from all over the country.

Najib said even though the approach between UMNO and Malay NGOs were different, the objectives and principles of struggle were the same, which was to champion the interest and success of Malays in the country so that they continued to be the role model to the Muslim community in the world.

"Our principles and objectives do not differ in the context of Islam, the Malay race and country. Maybe our approach is different but the struggle is the same.

"I hereby repeat that the government today is not much different either as we determine our struggle based on Syariah principles," he said.

To ensure the position and interest of the Malays continued to be assured, he said a major assembly with the theme 'Empowering Malay Economy' would be held at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam on September 14 which would be joined by Malay NGOs.

According to him, the position and wealth generation of the Malays was never seen from the aspect of ownership of valuable corporate equities but also in the larger context of property ownership, savings and intellectual property.

"We also cannot focus on certain individuals only but also in whatever policies to develop the Malay economy, which must be comprehensive so that most Malays would feel that under the government of the day, each individual would receive the opportunity and support," he said.

Touching on the recent fuel price hike, Najib, who is also the Finance Minister, said the government had only reduced the subsidy for fuel and did not raise the price of petrol.

He said giving huge amount of subsidies would be detrimental to the country in the long run.

--BERNAMA