Published: Saturday November 14, 2009 MYT 11:50:00 AM
Updated: Saturday November 14, 2009 MYT 1:46:53 PM

PM: We'll make Malaysia a better place

BY NELSON BENJAMIN

SINGAPORE: The Government realises that more excitement and buzz need to be created about Malaysia in its efforts to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak said that was the only way they could ensure enough supply of knowledge workers with the right skills and brains to create more opportunities in the country.

"If we can do this, then we don't just attract Malaysians working abroad, but also expatriates to work, live, choose to become permanent resident (PR) or even participate in making Malaysia their second home," he said, adding that competition was intense as many countries wanted the best brains to work for them.

Najib stressed that Malaysia must not fall short having its own number of talented people with good brains especially its diaspora of those working overseas, including places like Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, New York and other parts of the world.

"People should feel that the prospects in Malaysia are getting better and better.

"That is our objective of trying to turn the economy around with higher growth rate.

"We also want to create iconic companies or organisations both regional and global champions to invest in cutting edge Research and Development (R&D) activities," he said, adding that this would attract scientists, including engineers and technical people, to be part of the research outfit deemed to be of global standard.

Najib was speaking to more than 100 people mainly Malaysians living or working in Singapore during a private dinner hosted by him and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor on the sidelines of the Apec Summit here on Friday.

He pointed out that in today's global environment particularly skilled labour and knowledge workers, especially the young were mobile.

"They choose to work in countries where they think there are better opportunities. Where the prospects and hope for the future is better.

"We cannot assume that if the person is Malaysian, they will work in Malaysia. The same goes for other nationalities. People have their own aspirations for the future, he said, pointing out that Malaysia cannot be considered an innovation led economy unless it managed to have brains.

Citing an example, he said that imagine a Malaysian being put through kindergarten, primary and secondary school, university and then sent abroad and when the person was qualified with a degree or Phd, the person decidesd Malaysia was not good enough and decided to work in New York, California or elsewhere.

"It means 20 years of investment in a Malaysian will not have given us the dividend. Hopefully Malaysians after working overseas will one day come back to Malaysia as a more experienced person.

"However, there is no guarantee the person will come back and this cuts across all ethnic groups whether Malay, Chinese or Indian, he said, adding that that is why the government wanted to create opportunities for them.

Najib said the Government was now reaching out to Malaysians abroad to make a connection and help them promote Malaysia.

"The new dimension in our consideration now is that we do not look at Malaysian abroad as having lost them for good. I think they want Malaysians to reach out to them.

"Let's make the connection and benefit from them. We want to reach out to all of you and you help us," he said, adding that these people could help promote Malaysian interest while doing their own jobs at their respective countries.

He stressed that Malaysians staying and working abroad could not be considered as not being patriotic or loyal to their country.

"I find Malaysians working overseas including Singapore have strong feelings, vibes and want to do something for Malaysia.

"We should capitalise on this and leverage on their presence here to enhance our networking, promote Malaysia in Singapore, make connections and even look for investors, he said.

Najib also talked about Malaysia readjusting its economic and growth strategies to take into account the changing environment and the global economy.