SEOUL: PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday called on Malaysians to develop a commitment to succeed, keen survival instincts, deep focus and the will to overcome the odds to take Malaysia to greater heights.
Najib, who arrived here yesterday for his four-day official visit to the republic, said in a speech at a dinner event hosted for Malaysians, including 150 students here, that discipline was also key to success.
Calling on Malaysians to emulate South Korea’s achievements, Najib said these features would help Malaysians play key roles in the government’s transformation programmes.
“South Korea had undergone rapid transformation in a short time. Now, they are an economic powerhouse that continues to command the respect of the world.”
Malaysia, he said, should use South Korea as a source of inspiration by emulating its practices to emerge as an economic powerhouse.
The republic, he said, was a prominent role model for Malaysia, in tandem with the country’s Look East Policy, originally introduced by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed.
Malaysia is now implementing the second wave of the policy.
“The Koreans’ survival instincts have made them highly focused. When you have survival instincts and the will to overcome odds, you will do everything to succeed,” said Najib.
In drawing attention to the Koreans’ “iron-clad discipline”, he said discipline was a factor in achieving success.
“At one time, people used to laugh at Korean cars. Today, they are among the best in the world. Even in football... Malaysia used to beat them hands down. Today, the Koreans are ahead in many fields.”
Najib, however, impressed on the need for Malaysians to possess the jati diri (sense of belonging) spirit in the pursuit of success.
“This is the spirit that will drive us forward,” said the prime minister, who was greeted by a round of applause by the students when he emphasised on the need to be proud to be Malaysian.
He was greeted by a resounding “yes” when he asked the students if they were proud to be Malaysians.
At the end of the dinner, the audience surprised Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, by presenting her with a birthday cake and singing a birthday song.
Present were International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainudin and Malaysian ambassador to South Korea Datuk Rohana Ramli.
Other than attending bilateral and trade talks here, Najib will also be in Busan to attend the 25th Asean-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, where he will deliver a keynote address at the closing ceremony tomorrow.
His visit will end on Friday.