9MP is fine, but we can lend our Voices, Yes?

DESIDERATA's attention was drawn at the BF table to this headline in the NST today:


PM: Stop complaining


KOTA BARU:

Don’t even start.

This was the message from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to detractors of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

The country and rakyat, Abdullah said, would brook no senseless brickbats aimed at the National Mission to put the country on track to achieving developed-nation status.

The Prime Minister told a gathering of civil servants, non-governmental organisations and politicians here yesterday that there was no place in the implementation of the 9MP for those who heckle from the sidelines.

Needlessly disparaging the 9MP after it has been laid out, Abdullah continued, would only create disharmony and derail its implementation.

"We want something good for the nation," Abdullah told his audience. "I do not want to see people sitting on the sidelines creating all sorts of baseless stories.

"We have drawn up the plans, formulated the projects and set aside the money.

"So why are you complaining? What more do you want? The people’s interests come before personal interests."

At a Press conference later, Abdullah explained that such groups were present at all levels of society and comprised those who did not want to work and "have nothing better to do".

"They will say this guy got this project, that guy got this project.

"They create non-issues and when (the 9MP) stalls they say, ‘see, I told you so’."

Abdullah, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, stressed that Kelantan’s higher allocation under the 9MP than in earlier Plans was not to gain political mileage.

He dismissed suggestions that the RM7.6 billion allocated to uplifting living conditions in Kelantan was to increase the BN’s chances of taking control of the State from Pas in the next general election.

"I did not even think about that," Abdullah said.

"I only want to do my job. But I am sure people appreciate that the (9MP) is a BN initiative."

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DESIDERATA:

Over the two years plus of Datuk Serri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's adminsitration, the populace in general have seen the humaneness or humasnity of Pak Lah, our beloved Prime Minister. There is no doubt he was aprime factor in Barisan Nasional's maasive victory in the March 2004 General Elections with his 14-component coalition achieving 90% of the Parliament's 219 seats.

I have earlier run a news report about the FIVE MAIN THRUSTS OF THE 9MP (read Post on April 3, 2006), but bear with me, a short recap:



First Thrust: Increase value-add to the national economy.

Through this the government seeks to increase the value of the existing national economy, as well as create activities and jobs based on knowledge in areas like biotechnology, ICT, nanotechnology and service.

"At the same time the government will also create a conducive environment to enable the private sector to head the economic development of the country," he said.


Second Thrust: Increase the ability of knowledge, creativity and innovation as well as inculcate a first class mind.

The Future will depend on the quality of human resources capital based not only on intellect but also personal strength.

"The governmnet will seek to enhance the national education from pre-school to higher education and vocational levels," Abdullah said.

He said conducive environment will also be created to encourage the growth of research and development.

"At the same time, we will also work at inculcating a society which is cultured and has the moral strength," he added.


Third Thrust: Address socio-economic equality in a constructive and productive manner.

He said the government aimed to eradicate poverty by with a more balanced development, as well as ensuring that development is carried out fairly and equally.


Fourth Thrust: Increase and strengthen the quality of life.

Abdullah said the government will continue to provide basic amenities such as water and electricity as well as housing, transportation and other facilities.

"However, stress should also be given towards issues involving maintenance, improvement and effectiveness of resource usage," he said.


Fifth Thrust: Strengthen national institutional and implementation ability.

The success of planning lies in the ability to implement. Thus the government is committed to improve the public delivery system at all levels. (ends recap)


Generally, there is no basis for any complaint or quarrel with the goals outlined by the Prime Minister. I think the PM and his team have indeed identified the challenges ahead, and have come out with a good blueprint to steer the nation towards the goals. I also wish there will be less distractions, but the PM has to look out for some Mankeys at that RUMAHSAKITsikitPARLIMEN, and the Jokers/Stooges/Actors every year at that PWTC stage -- like stiriing racial shitpot and heating up the temperatures with keris-waving oprea or sandiwara?

As always, the citizenry has every right to point out the defects and blatant abuse in the implementation of Government's policies and programmes. It does not do justioe here to recount what these abuses and defects are as Bloggers who specilise in writing about CivilSociety and Good Governance, have been consistently highllighting and discussing them.


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A DIGRESSION:

(AN ASIDE to think aloud as is allowed: Come National Day well nigh August 31, 2006, Desiderata may yet run another ESSAY SERIES with my ER participation. Check out last year's from Aug 26-31, 2005 and feedback to me if you are interested, so that Desi is motivated?)


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In the esteemd PM's CONCLUDING REMARKS in presenting the 9MP for adoption by the august House, we again see that Pak Lah has shown hiomself the humble self, seeking the Almoghty's blessings as he leads the country in the NATIONAL MISSION. I believe Pak Lah is sincere in wanting all Malaysians to join him in this National Mission, and let no quarters question any fellow Malaysian's loyalty and equal determination wishing to see this Mission succeed. Malaysians may beg to join different political parties, but let no quarter allege that members of Opposition parties are any les, or more, loyal or patriotic to NegaraKu.

Our stakes in Malaysia are equal. And we deserve equal trteatment in all spheres of daily life as long as we hold Malaysian citizenship.

This comment which follows may be "stale", but nevertheless important to understand the "man" who is our country's current CEO. Bernama reported that at the end of the speech, our PM cried, to a satnding opvation. A subsequent Bernama story reported that Pak Lah was moved at the recallection of the two women who had influenced him the most and dearly -- his late mother and his late wife, Datin Seri Endon Mahmood.

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"1. The Ninth Malaysia Plan allows us to identify the progress we have made, identify weaknesses and put us on the track to achieve developed nation status by 2020. The National Mission provides a long-term perspective; formulated to produce better performance and enhance the impact from the efforts that have been undertaken to develop the nation.

2. It is of utmost importance that we ensure implementation is on schedule; and that the returns we generate commensurate with our spending. Implementation, monitoring and assessment mechanisms will be strengthened. The Economic Planning Unit and Implementation Coordination Unit under the Prime Minister’s Department will be responsible to ensure that the programmes implemented are in line with the development thrusts and accomplish the objectives set. I, with the assistance of my Deputy, will be heading the high-level taskforce to monitor the implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

3. We need full commitment and concerted efforts from all parties to ensure the successful implementation of the Ninth Malaysia Plan. I would like to reiterate that each one of us plays an important role in ensuring success of our nation and our race. The private sector must take the lead in generating the economic growth while the public sector enables economic growth and is the provider for socio-economic facilities. Civil society must be a partner in development. If we want to realize our aspiration to become a developed nation, every citizen has to show commitment and willingness to work hard, improving our self-worth and embrace life long learning.

4. May we achieve our wish to build a nation that is more prosperous, developed, progressive and dynamic; a nation that is capable of providing a better quality of life to its people. May we build a golden civilization that earns the respect of the world. May the Almighty bless our sincerity and labours.

5. Ya Allah, You are the One Exalted in Power, the One Full of Knowledge – between the good and evil; between the obvious and the unseen. Protect us from calamity and danger – from disturbances and strife; grant us our prayers; guide us to righteousness and to the path that You bless, provide us with people that are sincere, trustworthy, noble and honest; responsible in building a developed nation – building a united people – we forever seek Your blessings, “Towards Excellence, Glory and Distinction”.

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May mGf join Desi in saying a prayer that

"Pak Lah, in all his wisdom, will lead
the flock iof Malaysians under his care and guardianship
to attain Vision 2020 in 15 years time as envisaged.

Lead us not astray, but deliver us from evel and some crocodiles
in the pool of politicians of whatever hue and inclination."

I:
S:
A: men.


PS: After TigerJoe's roar, and a detour to http://yancorner.blogspot.com jest now for late teA, I found -- to no surprise -- mGf also ended her "Still on My Story" with a prayer, which I find APpropriate to update here at 5.15PM, not that I just received an AP:

"...For prayer is never meant

to be A SUBSTITUTE

for ACTION, and

ACTION always needs the stengthening influence


of PRAYER."