Embrace innovation, unlock full potential, PM Najib tells Commonwealth countries

Commonwealth countries must embrace innovation to unlock the full potential of its public service and 2.2 billion citizens, so as to, achieve economic growth and ensure inclusive development.

In making the call, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Malaysia is a clear example of an innovation-driven public service and sustainable growth.

"It is the path that has enabled us to come up with creative, new solutions to drive us towards the goal of becoming a high income status nation by 2020, and one where we continue to prize and protect our diversity and harmony," he added.

In his opening speech at the Biennial Conference of Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) 2016 here today, he said the Malaysian government encouraged public servants to break away from conventional thinking and living in silos.

He said the move had spurred Malaysia's 1.6 million public servants to come up with creative new solutions that enabled huge savings for the government.

CAPAM comprises 53 countries and the conference is themed, "Public Service Innovation."

Najib, who is also the Finance Minister said the approach had led the country to reset its foreign relations, leading to tremendous gains in terms of jobs, diplomatic leverage and future prospects.

He said Malaysia had also built stronger ties around the world, among others with China, India, Russia, the United States, Japan and the European Union.

"Indeed, Malaysia's relations with our friends across the continents has never been so warm, and these relationships have borne tangible results," he added.

He said for instance, since 2009, Malaysia-China trade grew by more than 10 per cent per annum and both nations had many ventures underway, while highlighting that Malaysia is also a signatory to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).

PricewaterhouseCoopers has predicted the trade pact would lead Malaysia's gross domestic product to increase by up to US$211 billion between 2018 and 2027, and bring in additional investments of up to US$239 billion.

Najib said Malaysia's foreign direct investments (FDI) in the manufacturing sector last year is expected to create 66,000 new employment opportunities, while in services, it will create a further 112,000 jobs.

"So, that is why we believe, transforming our economies and ensuring foreign policy is based on increasing trade and ties with each other, is a path to peace, security and growth for all.

"It will lead to a future that is based on cooperation, and not dispute," he added.