Wednesday, February 10, 2010

November 25, 2009 16:20 PM

Solve World's Problems With Greater Understanding, Says Najib

From Abdul Muin Abdul Majid

WASHINGTON, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia, with its background of multiculturalism and tolerance, can play an effective part in promoting deeper understanding between the Muslim world and the West and other divides as well.

The Malaysian prime minister said Malaysia had the ability to reach out to other nations and communities.

"The world may have its problems but things can be resolved with greater understanding of one another.

"Malaysia stands ready to play its role to make it a better world," he told a gathering of Malaysians at the Malaysian embassy here Tuesday night, organised in conjunction with his visit to Washington.

A grey and rainy American capital greeted Najib when he arrived here Tuesday afternoon from New York where he held meetings with American investors and fund managers in efforts to increase American investments in Malaysia.

In contrast, the scene at the mission was one of warmth and conviviality as Malaysians from various races mingled with each other over satay, mee goreng and other Malaysian favourites.

Playing the gracious host was Malaysian ambassador to the United States Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.

Najib, who is also finance minister, reiterated his hope of achieving an economic growth of between five and six per cent for Malaysia in 2010.

"There comes a time when you reach a plateau in the economy. So, we need to do something to reach a higher trajectory in terms of our development," said the prime minister.

He said this was behind the recent introduction of a series of economic reforms in Malaysia.

Najib and his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, will leave for Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

-- BERNAMA

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