Najib Outlines Seven Decrees To Make The Malays Progressive, Self Reliant

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 28 (Bernama) - Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has outlined seven decrees that will make the Malays knowledgeable, empower their economy in the 21st century, and to make them strong, powerful and dignified.

The other decree is to champion the interests of Islam, defend the Malay rulers and Malay privileges, uphold maqasid syaria by being moderate, retain pure values and take care of the family institution.

Najib stressed that if the Malays hold on to the decrees, they will emerge as a race that is respected by all races of the world and become self reliant.



Speaking at a Malay unity rally in front of thousands of people at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil here, he said: "These decrees to represent the Malay rulers must be remembered by all.

"As long as there is the moon and the stars, and as long as the Malay blood flows in our bodies, we will continue to champion these decrees," he said.



Najib took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of multi-racial harmony.

He said multi-racial harmony as well as unity between the races in Malaysia was the key and foundation to a brighter future for the people and nation.

The prime minister also said the Malays had gone far and attained many achievements.

However, he urged the Malays to continue asking themselves: "What can we do in the name of the Malays? What can we contribute?"

He said that question should always be in the minds of the contemporary Malays because they could not depend on the government anymore to become more successful and to guarantee their future.

"We do not want to see the Malays insulted, ridiculed. We want the Malays to be a race that is respected and has pride," he said in his speech that was greeted with applause and cheers from the audience at the stadium to show their support to him.

The event was an initiative by the Malay Consultative Council jointly with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju), Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and and Biro Tatanegara (BTN).

Najib also said the government would always play the role of facilitator in providing the space which would enable the Malays and Bumiputera to attain success.

However, he said, only those with the commitment, ability and merit would succeed.

He said this was proven by the presence of successful Malay leaders at the gathering tonight, including professionals in various fields as well as heads of government-linked companies as well as leaders of public and private institutions of higher learning.

However, Najib, who is Umno President gave the following reminder: "The journey of the Malays is still far. I admit there is still more that needs to be done. We have to be aware and always make improvements.

Najib's words were greeted by positive response from the beginning of the event till the end.

Each time Najib threw a question which challenged the mind or a statement which fired the spirits, the audience responded with cheers as a sign of their undivided support.

The event which officially began with a spirited rendition of the national anthem "Negaraku" also saw thousands of participants taking the oath read out by the chairman of the secretariat for the Malay Unity Gathering Night, Datuk Dr Hasan Mad who is also the Malay Consultative Council secretary-general.

"We are gathered here from all corners of the nation, Malays who are great, Malays with pride, and Malays who are blessed.

"We are gathered here to show our support for the leadership of the PM. We are Malays with pride and blessing," they said.

Among those present at the gathering were Umno vice-presidents, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka director-general Prof Datuk Dr Awang Sariyan and former Inspector-General of Police Tun Haniff Omar.

At the gathering, Najib also witnessed the handing over of the memorandum of understanding for the setting up of the Koperasi Majlis Perundingan Melayu Berhad by Amanie Corporate Advisor Sdn Bhd to MPM.

He also received the proposed memorandum for the setting up of the Islamic Affairs Coordination Ministry from a member of the Malay Consultative Council, Tan Sri Mohamed Yusof Mohamed Noor.