“SET ASIDE POLITICAL DIFFERENCES”

“After almost two years into the global financial crisis, we are yet to see signs of stability in the financial sector or recovery in the advanced economies. In fact, more than half the major world economies, in particular the US, the euro area and Japan, are in recession and experiencing the worst economic contraction since the Great Depression of the 1930s.”

“We cannot depend on orthodox economic recovery policies. We must be bold in formulating innovative approaches to deal with the crisis. This is a very challenging time for all of us. We must be ready and strong to face the challenges ahead. We must draw upon our past experience to overcome the crisis.”

“Recently, there have been increasing calls by the rakyat for the Government and the Opposition to set aside political differences and focus on the economy. I personally acknowledge these calls and therefore, I urge all parties, including our friends on both sides of the aisle, and every Malaysian to work together and strive harder to build a better Malaysia on the basis of a strong and sustainable growth path.”

“Whilst it is true that we have differing political views but in the face of economic turmoil, we must again unite for a common cause. But this time for the survival and the prosperity of our beloved nation.”

Speech by Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, deputy prime minister and finance minister

In introducing the supplementary supply (2009) Bill 2009

In the Dewan Rakyat, 10 March 2009