Build positive traits, Malays urged

The Star Online
6 November 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak took Malays to task for certain negative traits that he said had even led to an influx of foreign workers.

In addressing “The Spirit of the Struggle” in his opening speech at the Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri wings assembly, Najib lamented that the current culture was unlike that practised by previous generations.

“There is a reluctance to pay debts, lack of punctuality, non-diligence in doing work, and an aversion to certain type of work to the extent that it has led to an influx of foreign workers.

“Obviously such behaviour must be changed and a new culture must be adopted,” he said.

Najib added that the new culture had to include a readiness to serve and to sacrifice.

He said that, in the old days, people might have been poor but they were rich in spirit and were always ready to fight for what they believed in.

“As time goes by, and long after we have grasped power, values erode and value systems change. Beware the onslaught of materialism for it can change you and your beliefs,” he said.

Najib said Malays were capable of working hard, maintaining discipline, being loyal, working as a team, standing up for the truth and helping one another and that they had to make the most of these traits.

Najib also touched on how Malays had to stay united in the face of political differences in order to progress and not become weak.

“As a people, we the Malays cannot afford to be left behind. History has taught us well that we must never let our differences get the better of us,” he said.

“Avoiding this is one of the biggest challenges in elevating our nation’s civilisation.”

Najib said Umno also had to put a stop to money politics if the party was to remain on the path of the virtuous.

Thanks for visiting Malaysians Abroad Homepage. If you would like to receive latest news in Malaysia, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. You'll receive daily dose of Malaysian News here.