9 February 2010

PUTRAJAYA: Creative and innovative thinking, as well as speed in making decisions and executing policies, are the keys to achieving the Government’s “Four Pillars” agenda, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

The Prime Minister said the four pillars – the 1Malaysia concept, the Government Transformation Programme (GTP), the New Economic Model and the 10th Malaysia Plan – could only be a success if civil servants embraced them, used their creativity and innovation, and were quick and efficient in executing the agenda.

“The process of value creation is important in our system so that we can improve programmes and policies that are in place.

“We need to create value without depending on science and technology, research and development or the private sector. In everything we do, our thought process must be based on creativity and innovation,” he told staff members of the Prime Minister’s Department at their first monthly gathering for 2010 yesterday.

Najib said speed in making decisions and executing policies had a high impact on the country’s competitiveness and productivity, saying Malaysia would be looked upon highly if it was placed among the top 10 countries by the World Competitive Report.

He said that was why the Government continued to look at how it could provide speedy service to the people without compromising on efficiency, citing the issuance of passports by the Immigration Department in a matter of hours as among the success stories.

The Prime Minister also reminded civil servants that 2010 was an important year to realise all four pillars of the agenda, stressing that in order for this to happen, the first agenda – 1Malaysia concept – needed to be fully embraced and understood by all.

“The concept is a noble attempt by the Government to boost national unity, which is an essential element for stability. We need to move forward as a big family and stay strong and united even if there are hiccups and unforeseen events along the way.

“Sometimes, these bumps may be minor but a small ‘fire’ can eventually destroy all if it is not put out early. The issue of churches and surau being attacked and pig’s heads thrown into mosque compounds is a serious matter which must be tackled together,” he said.

Najib reiterated that the Government wanted to serve the people and “not big businesses and corporations”, adding the rakyat must be the main beneficiaries of all programmes, policies and allocations by the Government.

“I am confident that if we combine all efforts, 2010 will be a successful year for us. Let us all serve with extraordinary commitment and dedication, to deliver our promises to the people and to take Malaysia to greater heights,” he said.

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