GROWING STAKE
There are many reasons to be optimistic, says Najib
PERMODALAN Nasional Bhd’s i-shares initiative, which seeks to increase the availability of syariah-compliant stocks or equity instruments in the market, will be a major priority this year, says group chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar.
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has expressed hope for 2018 to bring another string of milestones for Malaysia, spearheaded by the strengthening of the economy as reported by the World Bank.
Najib said: “The World Bank reported that ‘the Malaysian economy is progressing from a position of strength’.
“We expect healthy growth next (this) year and further reduction of the deficit, as we continue to take steps to build the nation and promote the safety, welfare and happiness of the Malaysian people.”
In his New Year message yesterday, Najib said: “In 2018, as we begin to look forward to the middle of this century with our Transformasi Nasional 2050 initiative and Malaysia of the future, there are many reasons to be optimistic.
“We hope that all will support us in this great task. It is a task that our forefathers began, a task that my father continued and a task that I feel responsible for.”
He called on Malaysians to celebrate the nation’s harmony and diversity, and welcome this new year with the spirit of unity intact.
“It is a Malaysia we should be proud of. Let me invite all Malaysians to join us as we welcome 2018 with joy and the spirit of unity in our hearts. I wish you all a happy, prosperous and safe New Year.”
He said last year was etched with milestones, including celebrating the nation’s 60th independence anniversary.
“A Malaysia of many faiths and ethnicities, of a rich variety of customs, languages and food, but one that unites as 1Malaysia to be justly regarded around the world as a model of harmony and diversity, an example to developing nations and many developed countries, too.”
Looking back at the country’s journey since then, Najib said its founding fathers would be proud of Malaysia’s successes through the decades.
“In 2017, we celebrated 60 years since the cry of ‘Merdeka!’ rung out at the ‘Padang’ in Kuala Lumpur. Although we live in a different world today, one with different challenges, I believe that the fathers of our independence would be proud to see what their countrymen and women have achieved in the subsequent decades.”
Equally momentous was Malaysia’s victory in the Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.
“There could have been no better way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Merdeka than Malaysia winning the Southeast Asian Games with our best performance ever.
“Our hearts thrilled to see our magnificent athletes taking home 145 gold, 92 silver and 86 bronze medals, setting a bar of excellence that is a tribute to the fine young Malaysians who contributed so much to our country.
“We were able to witness the embodiment of the dreams of the fathers of Malaysia when the nation came together in celebration after the Sea Games. That is the Malaysia this government is fighting for, and will always fight for.”
Despite the revelry, mirth and merriment, Najib penned a heartfelt reminder on the tragedies and challenges that made last year a year to remember.
Among them were the deaths of 23 residents of the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah religious school in September; the flash floods and landslides in Penang; and the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in February.
Najib eulogised the late Kedah ruler Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Sarawak chief minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who passed away last year.
“And the sad deaths of Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah of Kedah, who had the unique distinction of reigning as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong twice during his long and illustrious life, and Pehin Sri Haji Adenan bin Satem of Sarawak.
“Both earned a special place in their peoples’ hearts, and we mourn their passing.”