Friday, October 3, 2008

Yab Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak







Home Biography Yab Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abdul Razak
Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia



The lifelong dream of Malaysia’s 9th Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Hj Abd Razak, is a united, peaceful and prosperous Malaysia, with abundant opportunities for all citizens.

As the son of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, the late Tun Abd Razak, Najib was born into Malaysian politics. Najib grew up watching his father and knew the demands of mainstream politics, and he always knew that at some point in his life he wanted to serve his community and country. But the untimely passing of his father on January 14th, 1976, at the age of 54, suddenly thrust Najib into the spotlight. Five weeks after his father’s passing, Najib, at the age of 22, was elected to fill the Pekan vacancy, becoming the youngest Member of Parliament in Malaysia’s history. In 2004 he ascended to the second-highest office in the nation, Deputy Prime Minister, 47 years after his father’s appointment to the same post.

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib was born on July 23rd 1953 in Kuala Lipis, Pahang. He was educated at St. John’s Institution in Kuala Lumpur and Malvern Boy’s College in Worcestershire, England before earning a degree in Industrial Economics from Nottingham University. Returning to Malaysia in 1974, he entered the corporate world, serving briefly in Bank Negara (Central Bank) and later with PETRONAS (the national petroleum corporation) as a Public Affairs Manager. But the untimely death of Tun Abd Razak dramatically altered the course of his life.

Najib quickly adapted to public life as a Member of Parliament, and soon found that the art of politics came naturally to him. Within a short time, the young Najib showed that he was a credible and capable politician and a leader in his own right. In his first year as an MP he was appointed Deputy Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Posts, and later served as Deputy Minister of Education and Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1982 the nation’s new Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, placed Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib to contest the State Assembly seat of Pekan. Following Najib’s election victory, the 29-year-old Najib became the Menteri Besar of Pahang, the biggest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Pahang was at the time on the verge of a political crisis due to serious differences between the previous MB and the Sultan of Pahang. But Najib was not only a rising political star, he was one of the Four Noblemen of the Pahang Royal Court (by virtue of his inherited title as the Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar) and he was warmly welcomed by the palace. The crisis quickly abated, ensuring the unity of Pahang UMNO whilst Najib embarked upon measures to strengthen education in the state. In 1982 Najib played a key role in establishing Yayasan Pahang, a foundation dedicated to promoting education and sports among the youth of Pahang through scholarships and funding. Najib strengthened state enterprises to maximize earnings from Pahang’s abundant natural resources. In cooperation with FELDA, the Federal Land Development Authority, he paved the way for the establishment of new land settlement schemes, 2 providing new income opportunities for those who were landless and in the lower income group.

Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib became the deputy chief of UMNO Youth in 1982, and assumed the top job in the organization in 1987. In 1988, after a struggle for control of the party, a newly reconstituted UMNO came into being and Najib was appointed as Youth Chief, a post he held until 1993.

In the 1986 general elections Najib was returned as the Member of Parliament for Pekan, and was appointed as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. He immediately focused on improving Malaysian sports and introduced the National Sports Policy in 1988. In 1989 Malaysia achieved its best-ever performance at the South East Asia (SEA) Games, which were held that year in Kuala Lumpur.

In 1991, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib was appointed Minister of Defence. Najib revitalized a Ministry that was seen as lethargic and listless, and modernized the Malaysian Armed Forces through strategic capability enhancement, procurements and exercises. In 1995, Dato’ Sri Najib had a change in cabinet portfolio and was appointed Minister of Education. His challenge was to respond to Malaysia’s newly proclaimed aspiration to become a fully developed nation by the year 2020. During his five-year tenure, Najib put into place the mechanisms that would enable a generation of Malaysians to meet the challenges of the future. He restructured the Ministry, corporatized the public universities, and encouraged collaboration with foreign universities and institutions. This provided more educational opportunities for Malaysians and positioned Malaysia as a regional learning hub. Dato’ Sri Najib also upgraded teaching certificates to the status of diplomas, so that teachers in that category would receive a higher monthly starting salary.

In 1999, following the political turmoil of the year before, Najib won re-election to his Pekan Parliamentary seat. He was then appointed as Minister of Defence for the second time and resumed his efforts to improve and modernize the Malaysian Armed Forces. Upon his appointment in 2004 as Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Najib was given a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including oversight of FELDA, the Human Rights Commission (SUHAKAM), and the Election Commission. He also chairs more than 28 Cabinet Committees which preside over a wide range of issues. Dato’ Sri Najib is married to YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, and is the proud father of five children.








7 comments:

MY New Dawn said...

Zahid: I’m contesting because Najib will be president
MASJID TANAH, Oct 3 - Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his decision to contest the Umno deputy president’s post was based on his conclusion that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would take over the Umno presidency.

He said party grassroots members had asked him to go for the number two post should there be a vacancy.

have no intention of stepping ahead of any leader. My decision is based on my conclusion that Najib will take over the president’s post,” he told reporters at a Hari Raya gathering at his in-laws’ house in Kampung Empang Batu, Durian Daun, today.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahid, an Umno supreme council member, made a surprise announcement that he was willing to contest the Umno deputy president’s post in the March 2009 party elections.

Apart from Ahmad Zahid, another leader, Umno vice-president and Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, has also announced his intention to contest the deputy presidency.

When asked whether his announcement came too early, Ahmad Zahid, 55, said it was necessary because the party’s divisional meetings would start next Thursday.

“Why should I delay the announcement? The divisions will start their nominations on that day... let the grassroots members decide,” he said.

He likened his move to someone flying a flag, saying, “One flies a flag so that others will see it”.

When told that traditionally the candidates for the number two post were from among those who had served as vice-presidents, Ahmad Zahid said, this was not always the case.

He said that there was already a precedent when former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman won the number two post even though he was not an incumbent vice-president.

Ahmad Zahid had won the Umno Youth chief’s post in 1996, a post equivalent to that of Umno vice-president.

On the response from party members after his announcement, he said, there were many who supported his move while others wanted him to contest the vice-presidency.

“But I’ve decided to offer myself (for the deputy president’s post). I find it difficult not to keep my words,” he said. - Bernama

Website - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9980-zahid-im-contesting-because-najib-will-be-president

MY New Dawn said...

Ali Rustam ready to contest Umno No. 2 post
MALACCA, Oct 4 — Umno vice president Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam announced yesterday that he is ready to contest the Umno deputy presidency in the party elections next March.

"I am ready to contest if the deputy president post is vacant," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Mohd Ali, 59, who is also Malacca Chief Minister, had earlier offered to defend the vice-president’s post which he won for the first time in 2004.

He also received the second highest number of votes in the contest then.

The announcement by Mohd Ali makes him the second leader after Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to state their intention to contest the deputy president’s post. — Bernama


URL - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9987-ali-rustam-ready-to-contest-umno-no-2-post

MY New Dawn said...

Hot race for Umno No. 2 job
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4 — The Umno deputy presidency is heading for a heated contest among the party's middle-rung leaders who have their eye cast on becoming Malaysia's next deputy prime minister.

Even before Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announces his retirement in favour of his deputy Datuk Seri Najib Razak — which he is expected to do — Umno's second-liners are actively seeking support to fill the No. 2 vacancy.

The contest is closely watched as Umno's deputy president is also, by convention, the country's deputy premier.

Minister-in-charge of religion Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was the first to throw his hat into the ring, although Minister of International Trade and Industry Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is also expected to put his name on the ballot.

“Yes, yes, I will be contesting (the deputy president's post),” Ahmad Zahid was reported as saying by The Star yesterday.

Muhyiddin had said he would make an announcement only after Abdullah makes his stand clear. It is understood that at least two other leaders are also testing the ground: former menteris besar for Negri Sembilan Tan Sri Isa Samad and for Selangor Tan Sri Muhammad Muhammad Taib.

The race is heating up fast as it is rare for the top two posts in Umno to come up vacant. Abdullah's decision not to contest the top post will see Najib heading upwards, leaving his own seat vacant.

The Prime Minister has pledged to announce his decision before the divisions begin meeting to make their nominations on Oct 9.

Ahmad Zahid's announcement has caused a flutter in Umno, prompting some to describe him as impatient.

“It is premature,” said an Umno Youth leader in Johor.

But it is not surprising as candidates must obtain 39 nominations, or 20 per cent of the 191 divisions, to qualify to contest.

It is also seen by some as a move to check Muhyiddin's easy ride. He had angered Abdullah's supporters by being among the first to urge him to retire early to allow Umno to rebuild.

He also started the latest push to oust Abdullah when he called last month for the Prime Minister to retire earlier than his original planned date of June 2010.

Muhyiddin, 61, is currently seen as the front runner, especially as a team with Najib. Several divisions announced that they would nominate the two for the top positions. But Muhyiddin lacks wide grassroots support, even in his home state of Johor.

A senior Johor warlord told The Straits Times that his division would prefer someone “of a younger generation”.

The 55-year-old Ahmad Zahid is popular on the ground, having maintained his network since he was Youth chief from 1996 to 1998.

He reportedly told The Star that he decided to go for the post due to requests by the grassroots for him to join forces with Najib.

He was a former political secretary to Najib, and former close ally of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Najib's aides believe that the deputy premier will remain neutral, and allow the party delegates to make their choice in the party polls next March. — The Straits Times



URL - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9985-hot-race-for-umno-no-2-job

MY New Dawn said...

Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak (born July 23, 1953, in Kuala Lipis, Pahang) is a Malaysian politician, who has been the country's Deputy Prime Minister since January 7, 2004. Najib is a member of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), and is currently the Deputy President of the party.
Najib is the eldest son of Tun Abdul Razak, the second Prime Minister of Malaysia, and a nephew of Tun Hussein Onn, the third PM. He was first elected to the Dewan Rakyat, representing the parliamentary constituency of Pekan, at the age of 23 in an uncontested election after the death of his father. In his career, Najib has held a variety of ministerial portfolios (the first at the age of 32), culminating in the post of Minister of Defence before being chosen as the deputy PM by Abdullah Badawi. Najib holds the title of Orang Kaya Indera Shahbandar of Pahang. His second wife is Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor with whom he has three sons, Nizar (born 1978), Nazifuddin and Norashman, and two daughters, Puteri Norlisa and Nooryana Narjawa. Tengku Puteri Zainah Tengku Eskandar is Najib's first wife with whom he has 3 children.

Najib had his primary and secondary education at St. John's Institution, Kuala Lumpur. He also attended Malvern College, Worcestershire, England and subsequently attended the University of Nottingham.


[edit] Controversies
In 1987, as UMNO Youth Chief, Najib defended special Malay privileges in a speech where he vowed to bathe the keris (Malay dagger) with Chinese blood. Shortly afterwards, the government launched a crackdown on extremist elements, termed Operation Lalang, although Najib was not detained.[1] At the same rally, banners were hoisted carrying phrases such as "revoke the citizenship of those who opposed the Malay rulers", "May 13 has begun" (referring to the May 13 racial riots in 1969), and "soak it (the keris) with Malaysian Chinese blood". [2]

He had a close aide, Abdul Razak Baginda, who was involved in a high-profile murder case of a Mongolian woman[3], Altantuya Shaaribuu. While Abdul Razak Baginda is one of the three accused currently on trial, Najib was reportedly implicated in a court affidavit that he was in a photograph together with Abdul Razak Baginda and Altantuya. [4] However, Najib has been completely spared from investigation by the Malaysian authorities, raising doubt to the judicial process. A more detailed legal analysis can be found in an article by Malaysia Today. [5]

He recently declared that Malaysia has, "never been secular because being secular by Western definition means separation of the Islamic principles of in the way we govern the country."[6]

In many of the controversies about him, Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi identified Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak on 6th April, 2008 as his probable successor in line with the ruling party's tradition of political succession.[7] Because of his implied involvement in the controversial Altantuya case, where the court trial has gone through numerous irregularities and delays [8], this has been seen by many as disastrous to Malaysia if the succession were to materialise.[9]






Najib bin Tun Razak



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9th Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia
Incumbent
Assumed office
October 31, 2004
Preceded by Abdullah Ahmad Badawi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Minister of Defence of Malaysia
Incumbent
Assumed office
October 31, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Born 23 July 1953 (1953-07-23) (age 54)
Kuala Lipis, Pahang
Political party Barisan Nasional, UMNO
Spouse Rosmah Mansor
Children 1. Mohd. Nizar 2. Puteri Norliza 3. Mohd. Nasifuddin 4. Nooriyana Najwa 5. Norashman Razak
Occupation Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Defence Minister of Malaysia, Member of Parliament
Religion Islam



Website - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Najib_Tun_Razak

MY New Dawn said...

'Chinese blood': Charge Najib under Sedition Act
V for Vernon | May 9, 08 5:04pm


It is indeed noteworthy that our ever-so-efficient and conscientious Polis Di-Raja Malaysia and the Attorney-General's Chambers have recently demonstrated vigilance and duty in upholding the laws of the land.
As such, Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin of the 'Malaysia Today' blog has been charged under the Sedition Act 1948, specifically under Section 4(1)(c) relating to the publishing of a seditious article. It is also understood that a Malaysian author, Syed Akbar Ali, was also charged for seditious comments posted on 'Malaysia Today's' website.
These two cases now are ultimately in the hands of our enlightened and impartial judiciary to determine if these two individuals are guilty. (Correct, correct, correct! I did indeed say 'enlightened' and 'impartial').
In the meantime, I would like to bring everyone's attention to a couple of other sections of the Sedition Act. Under section 3(1), those acts defined as having a seditious tendency include:
3(1)(d) - to raise discontent or disaffection amongst the subjects of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or of the Ruler of any State or amongst the inhabitants of Malaysia or of any State;


3(1)(e) - to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia;
It is widely documented that in the days preceding Operasi Lallang in October 1987, Najib Razak then as the head of Umno Youth, made a speech at a rally in Kampung Baru where he vowed to bathe his keris in the blood of Chinese Malaysian citizens.
And this speech was delivered against a background of banners by Umno Youth saying such things as 'May 13 has begun' and 'Soak it with Chinese blood'.
I would therefore like to invite my fellow Malaysians to join me in a call to the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia and the Attorney-General's Chambers to investigate, without fear or favour, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and to determine if he had indeed violated the sections above of the Sedition Act.
Given that the event occurred two decades ago, there may perhaps be a statute of limitation in effect on whether Najib can be charged, if he had indeed broken the law. Nevertheless, it is only right that a full and impartial investigation be carried out.
And as a separate matter as to whether Najib ends up being charged or not, it is certainly the case that such a man who can put himself into such a vile context and say such heinous things, should be deemed unfit to become the prime minister of a multiracial country like Malaysia.



Website - http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/82606

V for Vernon | May 9, 08 5:04pm
It is indeed noteworthy that our ever-so-efficient and conscientious Polis Di-Raja Malaysia and the Attorney-General's Chambers have recently demonstrated vigilance and duty in upholding the laws of the land.
As such, Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin of the 'Malaysia Today' blog has been charged under the Sedition Act 1948, specifically under Section 4(1)(c) relating to the publishing of a seditious article. It is also understood that a Malaysian author, Syed Akbar Ali, was also charged for seditious comments posted on 'Malaysia Today's' website.
These two cases now are ultimately in the hands of our enlightened and impartial judiciary to determine if these two individuals are guilty. (Correct, correct, correct! I did indeed say 'enlightened' and 'impartial').
In the meantime, I would like to bring everyone's attention to a couple of other sections of the Sedition Act. Under section 3(1), those acts defined as having a seditious tendency include:
3(1)(d) - to raise discontent or disaffection amongst the subjects of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or of the Ruler of any State or amongst the inhabitants of Malaysia or of any State;


3(1)(e) - to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia;
It is widely documented that in the days preceding Operasi Lallang in October 1987, Najib Razak then as the head of Umno Youth, made a speech at a rally in Kampung Baru where he vowed to bathe his keris in the blood of Chinese Malaysian citizens.
And this speech was delivered against a background of banners by Umno Youth saying such things as 'May 13 has begun' and 'Soak it with Chinese blood'.
I would therefore like to invite my fellow Malaysians to join me in a call to the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia and the Attorney-General's Chambers to investigate, without fear or favour, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and to determine if he had indeed violated the sections above of the Sedition Act.
Given that the event occurred two decades ago, there may perhaps be a statute of limitation in effect on whether Najib can be charged, if he had indeed broken the law. Nevertheless, it is only right that a full and impartial investigation be carried out.
And as a separate matter as to whether Najib ends up being charged or not, it is certainly the case that such a man who can put himself into such a vile context and say such heinous things, should be deemed unfit to become the prime minister of a multiracial country like Malaysia.



Website - http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/82606

MY New Dawn said...

A Call to Investigate Najib Tun Razak under the Sedition Act

Posted by Erin
Thursday, 08 May 2008

by V for Vernon

My fellow Malaysians,

It is indeed noteworthy that our ever-so-efficient and conscientious Polis Di-Raja Malaysia and the Attorney General's Chambers have recently demonstrated vigilance and duty in upholding the laws of the land. As such, Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin, editor of Malaysia-Today.net news portal and blog, has been charged under the Sedition Act 1948, specifically under Section 4(1)(c) related to publishing a seditious article. It is also understood that a Malaysian author, Syed Akbar Ali, was also charged for seditious comments on Malaysia-Today's website.
These two cases now are ultimately in the hands of our enlightened and impartial judiciary to determine if these two individuals are guilty. (Correct, correct, correct! I did indeed say "enlightened" and "impartial").

In the meantime, I would like to bring everyone's attention to a couple of other sections of the Sedition Act.

Under section 3(1), those acts defined as having a seditious tendency include:

3(1)(d) - to raise discontent or disaffection amongst the subjects of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or of the Ruler of any State or amongst the inhabitants of Malaysia or of any State;
3(1)(e) - to promote feelings of ill-will and hostility between different races or classes of the population of Malaysia;

It is widely documented that in the days preceding Operasi Lallang in October 1987, Najib Tun Razak then as the head of UMNO Youth, made a speech at a rally in Kampung Baru where he vowed to bathe his keris in the blood of Malaysian Chinese citizens. And this speech was delivered against a background of banners by UMNO Youth saying such things as "MAY 13 HAS BEGUN" and "SOAK IT WITH CHINESE BLOOD".

I would therefore like to invite my fellow Malaysians to join me in a call to the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia and the Attorney General's Chambers to investigate, without fear or favor, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and to determine if he had indeed violated the sections above of the Sedition Act. Given that the event occurred 2 decades ago, there may perhaps be a statute of limitation in effect on whether Najib can be charged, if he had indeed broken the law. Never the less, it is only right that a full and impartial investigation be carried out.

And as a separate matter as to whether Najib ends up being charged or not, it is certainly the case that such a man who can put himself into such a vile context and say such heinous things, should be deemed unfit to become the Prime Minister of a multiracial country like Malaysia.



Website - http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/7122/1/

MY New Dawn said...

The way ahead for Najib
Commentary
OCT 3 - Sometimes, being the underdog or written off as the second choice can be a liberating experience. It means being able to carry out a job without a millstone of expectations.

It means being brave to take chances and introduce changes and reforms which others, paralysed by the constant worry of upsetting their popularity ratings, are loath to touch.

So instead of worrying too much about the sample size of a recent survey, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his supporters should view the Merdeka Centre poll for what it is: A sampling of what Malaysians think about him and a great opportunity to prove everyone wrong.

To recap, 1,002 people were asked recently who they believed would make a better prime minister, Najib or Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Overall, 39.3 per cent said they preferred Anwar, while 33.8 per cent backed Najib.

This is not the first survey which shows Malaysia's prime-minister-in-waiting suffering from a perception problem. Several surveys before and after Election 2008 (with significantly larger sample sizes) indicate that the son of Malaysia's second prime minister has an image problem especially among non-Malays.

He is strong in Umno, but outside the party the allegations of being involved in the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shariibuu, accusations of shenanigans in defence deals and concerns that he is a closet Malay ultra have hurt him.

He is also suffering the drag of being associated with a political party that is viewed as arrogant, cloistered in a time warp and with little appetite for change.

A perception audit, involving 3,647 Malaysians, carried out in June and July showed that 44 per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with the way Najib is performing his job as the deputy prime minister, while
43 per cent were satisfied. The rest did not know or did not offer a response to the question.

When broken down by race and income, the findings are more telling. It shows that:
• Some 55 per cent of Chinese are dissatisfied with Najib's performance, 21 per cent are satisfied and 21 per cent are unsure.

• Some 73 per cent of Indians are dissatisfied with Najib's performance, 17 per cent satisfied, 8 per cent unsure and 4 per cent did not offer a response.

In contrast, 55 per cent of Malays are happy with Najib's performance as the DPM, and 37 per cent dissatisfied.

The survey also shows that the dissatisfaction level is much higher among those in urban centres and with those earning more than RM3,000 per month. For example, 67 per cent of those earning more than RM7,000 a month are unhappy with his performance as the DPM.

These findings are not surprising and confirm the voting patterns seen on March 8 when non-Malays and voters in urban centres, including Malays, supported Pakatan Rakyat candidates.

But this trend can be bucked when Najib takes over the mantle of Umno and the leadership of the country in March. He can turn many of the non-believers around. How? By concentrating on what is good for the country and not his political party. By being unconventional in his thinking. By avoiding safe choices. By being decisive.

Firstly, his Cabinet should be more compact and contain more professionals, technocrats, corporate captains. There will be a temptation to reward loyal party warlords with ministerial positions, but Malaysia can no longer afford to have a Cabinet bloated with shallow political players.

And here's why: Tthe Malaysian Civil Service is a pale shadow of what it used to be. In the 70s, some of the best brains in the country were found in the civil service. They framed policies, implemented decisions
diligently and compensated for the politicians lack of know-how. Only the obtuse would say that present day civil servants are up to the mark.

Many of them are in the public sector because this is the only option open to them. A Cabinet packed with politicians backed by a mediocre civil service will be disastrous for a Malaysian economy being hemmed in by a global slowdown and increased competition for foreign direct investment.

Malaysians deserve the best collection of ministers to serve them. And if this means going outside the normal talent pool, so be it.

Secondly, Najib should push through reforms to strengthen Malaysia's institutions, including the judiciary. And talking about institutions, Najib should convene a BN convention and re-look the structure of the ruling coalition, and tackle some of the difficult but not intractable issues of race and religion that continue to divide this country and threaten the future of the ruling coalition.

He may even want to consider having two deputy prime ministers: one from Umno and another to represent non-Malay/Muslim interests.

Radical? Definitely. Will he face opposition from his party? Most certainly. But if Najib just goes with the flow and focuses on keeping his party men happy, he can be sure that a large swathe of Malaysians will continue to stay away from Barisan Nasional and give him the thumbs down.

That's what Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did and look where it left him.


URL - http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/9974-the-way-ahead-for-najib