PARIS, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that
all parties should acknowledge that Malaysia has benefited from the
wisdom of its leaders over the years, thus enabling it to surpass
the achievements of many other countries.
The deputy prime minister said Malaysia's successes since achieving
independence 50 years ago had made other countries including
developed ones keen to adopt the country's visionary formula of
success.
"As Malaysians, we must be proud as the country has enjoyed
stability not only politically but also economically, with good
racial ties and strong national security not found elsewhere,
making the country the envy of many others," he said at a dinner
with Malaysian citizens and students here Tuesday.
Najib is on a four-day visit to France.
He said Malaysia had made history in the last two days -- sending
the first Malaysian to space and launching its first submarine,
Scorpene.
He said the two success stories would have remained mere dreams had
it not been for the efforts of the country's wise leaders who
always had the people's interest at heart.
Malaysia, which started as a world producer of natural rubber, had
overcome the hurdles because of the strong support of the people
since independence, he said.
Najib admitted that the Barisan Nasional government was not perfect
but the weaknesses should not make the people lose confidence in
it.
"No country in the world is perfect and has no shortcomings. What
is important is that the government will always strive to make it
better for the people," he said.
He urged Malaysians overseas to promote the country as the best
investment centre for foreign investors and for mutual
benefit.
"This is a competitive world. Malaysia must be more competitive,
this is a new challenge for us," Najib.
He was speaking to 500 Malaysians, including those who have stayed
in France for over 40 years like singer Datuk Shake and students
studying at several universities.
Present were Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Science,
Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis,
Malaysian ambassador to France Datuk S.Thanarajasingam and Chief of
Defence Forces Jen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal.
