Monday February 4, 2013

PM points out true value of civilised nation - social transformation

By MARTIN CARVALHO
mart3@thestar.com.my

PETALING JAYA: The success of a nation does not depend solely on its skyscrapers, modern public amenities, high-tech factories or increased per capita income but also on its value system, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

“The reality is that, if we are to build a civilised nation, there must be social transformation in terms of changes in attitude and the value system,” said the Prime Minister.

“This becomes one of the important factors why some countries are more developed than others,” he said when launching the My Beautiful Malaysia Day programme at Taman Medan here yesterday. Also present was Selangor Barisan Nasional co-ordinator Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed.

Involving various community projects carried out on a voluntary basis, the programme kicked off simultaneously at 390 venues nationwide with more than a million youths participating.

It was held in conjunction with the Year of Volunteerism 2013 campaign to get more youths involved in charity.

Volunteers under the iM4U performing during the launch of the My Beautiful Malaysia programme at Taman Medan.

Najib said after transforming economically and politically, social transformation held the key towards the continued well-being of a nation.

However, unlike the others, social transformation was not as simple. “For this to show results, it could take a longer time.”

However, the Prime Minister was confident. “This aspiration will become a reality if the people continue to have strong sentiments and want to change from a negative to a positive attitude,” he said.

Touching on the 1Malaysia Volunteer Fund (DRe1m), under the 1Malaysia For Youth (1M4U) project, Najib said the RM100mil fund was to get more youths involved in charitable causes. “The dynamic power of the youths can be channelled towards nation building and is a huge source,” he pointed out.

Najib laying bricks at Surau At-Taufiqiyyah in Taman Medan while Mohd Zin (left) looks on.

“The country would be able to soar to greater heights if we are able to channel this power in a constructive and positive manner.”

Najib also announced the approval for a 1M4U radio station, a new site at Taman Medan for SRJK (T) Tan Sri V. Manikavasagam and a RM300,000 allocation for new classrooms for special students at SK Dato' Harun.

Earlier, he helped to lay bricks for the expansion of the surau At-Taufiqiyyah before joining residents in painting the SM Taman Medan school and a tree planting activity.

On the sidelines of the event, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor visited the Kemas Mutiara kindergarten, joining the staff and children in various activities and to watch a handicraft demonstration.

News

Monday February 4, 2013

PM points out true value of civilised nation - social transformation

By MARTIN CARVALHO mart3@thestar.com.my

By MARTIN CARVALHO
mart3@thestar.com.my