Translate ‘1 Malaysia’ to tangible benefit for people, says Najib
HULU LANGAT, July 14 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants the 1 Malaysia concept to be translated into something tangible which can benefit the people and not just remain a mere slogan or political rhetoric.
The prime minister emphasised that more 1 Malaysia services and products are needed to help ease the current rise in the cost of living.
“When 1 Malaysia services and products are introduced, the list has no ‘full stop’ only ‘comas’, there’s no end. But we cannot allow the 1 Malaysia brand to be used indiscriminately.
“There’re many who apply to use the brand, I agree to some and reject some. The important thing is that the 1 Malaysia services and products must help the people,” Najib (picture) said at the launching of the Kedai Kain Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KKR1M) or the 1 Malaysia People’s Textile Shop here today.
Also present at the launching of the shop were Domestic Trade, Co-operative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Noh Omar.
On July 8, Najib announced the setting up of the shop as another Barisan Nasional government initiative to help ease the people’s burden.
Najib listed the three criteria needed for the approval of the 1 Malaysia brand.
“First, the services and products must be for the people; second, they must be of good quality, as we’ll not compromise on services or products which are inferior.
“Third, the services and products must be cheaper than market rates. If all three criteria are fulfilled, then we’ll allow (the 1 Malaysia name to be used),” he said.
He noted that in the past three years, the BN government had introduced various 1 Malaysia services and products to assist the people, such as 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M), which was warmly received.
Najib, who is also finance minister, said that the Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia (KR1M) shops have received encouraging response and managed to chart good sales.
He described the 1 Malaysia People’s Clinic as a big help in easing the burden of citizens, especially in the lower-income group, as it offered cheap but quality service.
“Private clinics would cost at least RM30, not including bus or taxi fare. But medical care at the 1 Malaysia Clinic only costs RM1.
“We also have the 1 Malaysia People’s Menu with delicious and nutritious breakfast and lunch for only RM2 and RM4,” he said.
Other programmes by the government include the 1 Malaysia People’s Housing (PR1MA), to help the middle-income group to have better access to house ownership and 1 Malaysia People’s Taxi (TR1MA) aimed at improving the country’s public transport services. — Bernama
