July 11, 2009 11:34 AM

Thoughts On Najib's First 100 Days As PM

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- Following are thoughts expressed by people from all walks of life on the first 100 days in office of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak:

Cheah Keng Toh, chairman of the Terengganu Chinese Chamber of Commerce: "I find that the prime minister has a good understanding of the business environment. He does not confine his focus only on the Chinese but also encourages the other communities to grab business opportunities as well."

Hasan Ismail, chairman of the Kuala Terengganu South Fishermen's Association: "The plight of fishermen gets attention under the leadership of Datuk Seri Najib. Fishermen will not hesitate to give their undivided support to the prime minister to continue to lead the country."

Mohd Talha Ismail, 57, a trader from Kuala Selangor: "Najib must serve as the leader of Malaysia, not Umno and the BN (Barisan Nasional) only. If he cannot reprimand arrogant ministers, it will not be in consonant with the slogan 'People First, Performance Now'."

A. K. Chai, a laundrette operator in Shah Alam: "My friends and I are adopting a wait-and-see stand on this new policy (pertaining to Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) guidelines) and hope that it will become a reality and draw more investors back to Malaysia's capital market or to invest in their business operations."

Lee Hock Aik, 60, a fish wholesaler in Alor Setar: "For me, (the late) Tun Razak was the best prime minister the country had and I am convinced that Najib is attempting to follow his father's footsteps when he introduced the 1Malaysia concept. When Tun Razak was prime minister he introduced the 'muhibbah' (goodwill) concept and now Najib comes with 1Malaysia."

Alias Busu, chairman of the Kampung Sungai Timun Fisherman's Association in Rembau (Negeri Sembilan): "It is hoped that government officers will go to the ground often to understand the people's grouses and take care of them."

Lau Chee Boon, chairman of the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Chamber of Commerce: "Najib's boldness in bringing about change is welcomed by the people from all walks of life. The new policies introduced by Najib, especially policies on an open economy, are found to be most conducive in ensuring that the investment climate remains at its best."

Saleh Ibrahim, a teacher at the Tunku Khursiah College in Seremban: "The 1Malaysia concept will lift the country to greater success. I hope this can be translated effectively. I also hope that in this way the people can evaluate the leadership of our country."

Abdul Hamid Saad, a member of the Bukit Mertajam Area Farmers Organisation: "Coincidentally, when Najib took over the administration, the country was faced with the global economic downturn and his priority surely is to stabilise and rehabilitate the situation."

T. Sujatah, a research manager of a private company in Penang: "The government has to portray a clean image and the Barisan Nasional (BN) is reflective of the 1Malaysia concept by being one party for all the communities."

Mohd Ros Abdullah, 43, an inshore fisherman in Kuala Perlis: "The sea is the source of our livelihood and the sea will not reward us aplenty without government assistance."

Omar Ali, 56, a taxi driver in Perlis: "We pin our hopes on the prime minister to do the best because the rise in fuel prices will dictate taxi fares."

Chuan a/l Sok, 52, a farmer of Siamese descent in Perlis: "I am a Malaysian although people like me are a minority. I know the government will not marginalise us."

Murad Husin, 47, president of the Jasin Municipal Council in Melaka: "I find that his policies are appropriate, particularly in relation to providing excellent service to the people, and all problems have to be resolved and given priority."

Azmi Ibrahim, Pahang-born former national sprinter: "He is seen as more aggressive in making decisions and has resolved many matters in a short time."

Ng Sook Heng, 57, a former teacher from Pahang: "As the prime minister, he is seen as most firm in making decisions."

Lyester Sopital, 23, a student of Universiti Malaysia Sabah: "With the national scholarship, students regardless of race in the country have the opportunity to pursue higher (post-graduate) studies."

Ismail Haji Ahim, chairman of the Tawau Tidong Association: "So long as implementation (of the national scholarship) is good, there will be no problems. We should not differentiate among the communities. The 1Malaysia concept is not community-biased."

Karim Mahmud Abdullah, Information Chief of the Tawau Muslim Restaurant Operators Association: "If a former prime minister was able to standardise the time between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, we hope that our new prime minister will be able to standardise the prices of goods between the peninsula and Sabah."

Datuk Tain Fook En, president of the Sabah Hakka Association: "Najib's was not mere empty talk on the implementation of the (1Malaysia) concept, and proof of this is the awarding of the national scholarship to excellent students regardless of race."

Phua Peh Chee, chairman of the Sandakan Fishermen's Association: "We in the fishing industry hope that Najib can fathom the problems in the industry and those faced by the fishermen and help to overcome them. This includes giving fuel subsidy to the fishermen, if possible at a price lower than the current RM1.20 per litre."

Datuk Dominic Dago Randan, former Serian Member of Parliament: "We are extremely happy and grateful that he (Najib) has the interest to follow his late father's footsteps. It is a good start and the people are really excited to see the results of its (1Malaysia concept) implementation in the next few years."

Jeli Bohari Biha, an entrepreneur and animal breeder in Sarawak: "The economic cake is big and can be shared with more people because the more the people involved in the industry, the better it is for Malaysia as envisaged by the prime minister."

Iqmal Hisham Ahmad Dolek, a marketing executive of Amanah Saham Sarawak: "Najib is a leader who really implements what he says and does not merely make promises to garner the people's support."

Edwin Raoh of Batang Ai, Sarawak: "Najib shows concern for our problems in Sarawak, and this is evident from his three visits to Sarawak in a month."

-- BERNAMA

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