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Malaysians urged to move forward at faster pace: DPM

Posted: 09 Sep 2011 07:47 PM PDT

Malaysians urged to move forward at faster pace: DPM

LONDON -- After 54 years of independence and reaping the benefits of racial harmony, political stability and rapid economic growth, Malaysians on Friday were urged to move forward at a faster pace to make the country more competitive globally.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said if Malaysian can leverage on their past successes, overcome all present challenges and thrive in the new global world, they will build a better future for the nation.

Muhyiddin said what needed to be done is to get every Malaysian, in the country or abroad, on board the national journey to a better future where every Malaysian has a important role to play.

"Whether you are Malaysian students studying abroad or Malaysian citizens working abroad, everyone can contribute to the transformation that is progressing in our country at the moment.

"We need your ideas, your creativity and your talents to move the country forward. At the same time, we need to continue with our efforts to strengthen national unity," he said in a speech prior to a dialogue with the Malaysian community, including students, here. -- Bernama

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Malaysians urged to move forward at faster pace: DPM

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PM: Rethink passing tax to prepaid mobile users

Posted: 09 Sep 2011 10:15 AM PDT

2011/09/10
By Hamisah Hamid
hamisahhamid@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday asked telecommunication (telco) providers to reconsider their decision to pass the six per cent service tax to prepaid customers in view of the rising cost of living.

Najib said he had received feedback from the public which showed that the move was not popular and consumers found it hard to accept.

"I hope the telcos can review their decision because in view of the current situation, we want to reduce the burden of the rakyat as they have to bear high costs, including food. So we want to alleviate the financial burden of the rakyat," he said when asked by reporters.

Telcos plan to start charging prepaid customers from Sept 15.

Since the launch of mobile prepaid services in 1998, mobile operators have been absorbing the service tax. Posttpaid mobile phone users, meanwhile, have been paying the service tax.

Earlier in his speech when launching Maybank's refreshed logo, Najib called on banks and financial institutions not to shy away from business ventures they were not familiar with.

He said financial institutions, which were the bedrock of the economy, should support government initiatives to transform the economy, such as the MyFirst Home Scheme, 1Malaysia Housing Project, green technology, research and development, and innovation.

"Banks need to have courage to venture and support new enterprises...

you need to promote innovation as it is one of the ways to transform Malaysia." He said Malaysia needed to create new sources of wealth and financial institutions should support the new growth areas.

Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Jumaat, 9 September 2011