Transparency pledge on new bill

The New Straits Times
by AZURA ABAS

PUTRAJAYA: THE government will be judicious and transparent in deciding whether to introduce the Harmony Act or retain the Sedition Act.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said sound judgment based on the collective views of all stakeholders would guide any decision to enact changes that affect the people, including on the fate of the Sedition Act.

“Have trust that the process will be done judiciously and transparently, albeit in a controlled environment,” he said at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department here yesterday.

“As a result, the country will hopefully emerge more harmonious, formidable, stable and successful.”

Najib said the government would not compromise on the stability, harmony and unity that the country had been founded on.

“Whether we want the Harmony Act or maintain the Sedition Act, it must be done in a rational manner by introducing better laws as their replacement after obtaining the views of all stakeholders.

“As a government, we will not do things that can trigger uneasiness, uncertainty and worry in any community, be it the Malays or other races.”

Najib also called for understanding on why some communities reacted the way they had to certain issues.

“In this situation (referring to the Sedition Act), the Malays are more vocal about issues close to their heart such as Islam, the Malay sultans and Article 153 of the Federal Constitution (on Bumiputera rights).”

Najib said the government would not indulge in any decision that would upset the status quo.

“I want to explain this before things get out of control,” he said, adding that the government’s priority has always been the wellbeing of the people and nation.

On getting ahead amid fierce global competition, Najib said it was crucial for Malaysians to attain a global outlook.

“When the deputy prime minister brought up the move to make it compulsory to secure a pass in the English subject at university level, it is to prepare the people to be more competitive and driven for success.”

Najib said having a global outlook would push Malaysia ahead in the race to develop the nation.

Describing 2014 as a year defined by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and crash of flight MH17, Najib said Malaysians must learn from the tragedies.

“Who can imagine something happening on the other side of the world (Ukraine) can affect us here?

“What can we learn from the two tragedies? They show us that we are in a world that is hyper-connected; multi-directional and interdependent.”

Najib also pointed out on the importance of ensuring Malaysia’s economy continued to stay robust for Malaysians to reap the benefits, including the availability of jobs. The unemployment rate is now 2.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Perdana Putra complex where the prime minister’s office is located has been accorded a platinum rating in the Green Building Index (GBI) for being more energy efficient.

“In 2010, Perdana Putra had a building energy intensity of 138. Today, it has a building energy intensity of just 85,” Najib said at the GBI certificate award ceremony yesterday.

The GBI is Malaysia’s recognised green rating tool for buildings to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among developers, architects, engineers, planners, designers, contractors and the public about environmental issues and one’s responsibility to future generations.

After Perdana Putra building was retrofitted with green technology, the complex has reduced its energy intensity by 38 per cent; annual water usage by 40 per cent; carbon dioxide emission (33 per cent); and cold water (69 per cent).

“It is my intention that this project will become a catalyst for similar initiatives across Malaysia.

“Beyond Perdana Putra, I would like to see the entire city of Putrajaya transformed into a green, smart and connected city showcasing Malaysia’s economic and technological advancement.”

Present were Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.