Abdullah's openess contributed to a flourishing democracy

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's openness and transparency in administration when he took over as the Prime Minister in 2003, contributed largely to a flourishing democracy in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib said since taking over, Abdullah practiced a leadership that portrayed openness and one that was receptive to criticism.

The Prime Minister said, as a result, the people in country were now more alert and aware of their rights, and the government's responsibilities.

"The situation demands the government to be more responsive to the people," said Najib during his speech at a 'Majlis Jasamu Dikenang' ceremony held to honour Abdullah's retirement as the fifth Prime Minister of Malaysia, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here tonight.

The ceremony was graced by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nurzahirah.

Also present were Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Abdullah's wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, cabinet members, foreign diplomats, government officers and dignitaries.

In his speech, Najib also announced that Abdullah has been appointed as advisor to the National Corridor development so that the government can continue to receive guidance and advise from the former Prime Minister.

Najib said to ensure the people enjoyed the benefits of the economic growth, economic regions were identified to be developed through the corridor development concept, aimed at stimulating the economy that can provide an even share of opportunities, a concept that received overwhelming support.

"The Corridor initiative is expected to stimulate the economic growth and ensure the welfare of the people," he said.

Looking back at Abdullah's contribution in various aspects during his tenure, the Prime Minister said slogans like Excellence, Glory and Distinction (Cemerlang, Gemilang dan Terbilang) introduced by Abdullah had injected and inspired Malaysians in search of to excellence.

The Prime Minister added that to instill a sense of excellence, Abdullah had also emphasised the importance of developing human capital.

Najib said Abdullah was very sensitive to the people and their needs and always emphasised on an efficient delivery system, a move that saw rapid and drastic changes in the efficiency of public service performances.

"For example, the public sector had transformed from just mere administrators and law enforcing body to a service oriented, efficient, transparent and increased efficiency delivery system," he said.

Abdullah had always wanted the public sector to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring national policies were implemented effectively and reflected a clean and incorruptible image, independent judiciary, establish good, efficient and meritorious governance and wipe out corruption.

Najib added that to ensure transparency in the Judicial system, the Judicial Appointments Commission and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) were formed.

In 2004, Abdullah also introduced Islam Hadhari (civilisational Islam) as a means of propagating development based on the principles of Islam.

Apart from giving importance to the modernisation of agriculture, Abdullah was also an acclaimed international figure during his tenure, helming the Organisation Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Non Aligned Movement (NAM).

Najib who thanked Abdullah for entrusting him with the country's leadership through a smooth transition of powers, said he would continue the efforts of Abdullah.

"A smooth transition of powers is vital, especially when the country is facing an economic challenge in efforts to become a developed nation. The best gift that Malaysians can offer Abdullah now is to continue his vision and mission to see Malaysia become a peaceful, developed and successful nation," he said.

"On behalf of the entire nation, I wish to thank Tun Abdullah, Tun Jeanne Abdullah as well as his entire family for their services and sacrifices to the nation."