No place for exclusivity in Malaysia, says Najib

SERDANG (Malaysia) — Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said there is no place in the country for exclusivity, in light of the Muslim-only launderette issue which has plagued the country.

A self-service laundromat in Muar, which caters only to Muslim patrons, had earlier sparked controversy on social media in September for its exclusive clientele.

In speaking out, Mr Najib said that exclusivity is wrong.

"I don't believe in exclusivity, let there not be a launderette only for Muslims. I think that's wrong," he said when speaking to some 1,000 people at the Malaysia Chinese Youth Summit in Wisma Huazong here.

Also present was Transport Minister and MCA president Mr Liow Tiong Lai.

The prime minister said it is important to keep intact the nation, a country which is home to people of many different ethnic groups and religions.

He said Malaysians must be given the freedom to choose, as long as it does not affect the nation's harmony and unity.

"There should be choice, you don't want to go to a particular restaurant because you think it's not halal, it's your decision.

"Muslims have their own set of beliefs but we cannot impose this on non-Muslims. As long as you don't disturb us we don't disturb you," he said, citing the example of a church and mosque which are located next to each other in Miri, Sarawak.

Mr Najib's message echoed the firm stance taken by the Conference of Rulers which expressed concern over the divisive actions of people, saying they have gone overboard in expressing their conviction and are jeopardise the harmony in Malaysia’s diverse society.

Mr Najib assured that the government is steadfast and dedicated in protecting the nation's harmony and unity

As prime minister, he will continue policies that are moderate and progressive as the spirit of understanding, goodwill and harmony are vital to move the nation forward.

At the same time, Mr Najib said vernacular schools are treated equally with national schools.

Mr Najib pointed out that RM 2.5 billion (S$806 million) a year was spent by the government on Chinese schools.

Furthermore, the government has also given the green light for more Chinese schools in areas with rising population of the Chinese community.

"The Minister of Education is in discussion with the president of MCA and Gerakan to look into this matter," he said.

The prime minister conceded that there are weaknesses and shortcomings in the government.

However, in enlightening the audience on government policies, he said the people must also look at the good things that the ruling administration have done for the country .

"If we work together, we can make it if better and bring Malaysia to greater heights,” he said.

The prime minister, who took questions from the floor, also touched on a myriad of matters and issues, including false stories doing rounds in social media, economic growth in spite of weakened ringgit, the uptrend of the central bank's foreign reserves under his watch, game changing infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and Malaysia’s position in Asean as among the most affordable country.

Additionally, he spoke on the need for more affordable housing including homes to be built by the private sector, the improvement of public transport notably with the country’s first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line in Klang Valley and bottom-up engagement with the people through Transformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50).

He also explained that Malaysian civil service is not bloated as portrayed by critics, as it also included 450,000 teachers, 175,000 policemen and 115,000 soldiers.

Unlike in other countries, they are also defined as civil servants, hence the wrong perception that the civil service is oversized, he said.

Mr Najib also assured that more good things are ahead for the country as the government enjoys a congenial relationship with major countries.

He said good relations with many leaders such as Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, United States President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, had benefitted the country economically.

The audience broke into merriment when Mr Najib was asked when the 14th General Election would be held.

Mr Najib, who remains coy on general election date nonetheless, said there are many factors to into account.

“It will come, it’s just a question of time,” he said. THE NEW STRAITS TIMES