Najib committed to openness and transparency

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today that he will be committed to an administration based on the principle of openness, transparency and telling the people the truth when he takes over the helm of the country.
The deputy prime minister said if the government spoke the truth to the people, then it would gain their confidence.
"A government must instill trust and confidence in the people so that they have confidence in the government. We have to be transparent, tell the truth to the people," he said in reply to a question from the floor at the "National Integrity Agenda Conference: Evaluation and Direction" at the Integrity Institute of Malaysia here.
Najib said efforts to eradicate corruption and mould a society that is clean, with greater integrity and that upholds moral values should be a cause that must be acculturated.
He said negative traits such as greed and self-interest which fomented corrupt activities and abuse of power should be discarded.
He said that in the aspect of government procurement, if a major portion of the procurement was based on open tender or at least restricted tender, it would help fight corruption. "Maybe this will not be popular among certain quarters. Maybe the lobbyists may not like it. But I believe the people like it and will support the government more," he said.
Najib said much of the procurement now was based on open bidding.
"I will also encourage electronic procurement (e-procurement). We are moving in that direction," he said when replying to another question from the floor.
Najib said that in the aspect of appointments or transfer of officers suchas chief executive officers (CEOs), the important elements applicable according to priority were integrity, ability and acceptability.
Najib said the national integrity movement should be encouraged and supported by all levels of society for mutual benefit.
On a question related to Umno, Najib, who is Umno deputy president, said he has a plan to bring reform to the principal party of the government and that he will make an announcement on that soon. "The perception of Umno is that many people see the party as being arrogant and having unhealthy practices. We have to clean up Umno," he said.
On the National Integrity Plan report which was launched today, Najib said that based on the report, the government could take pride that several achievements had been made in certain aspects.
Nevertheless, he said, it was evident that much remained to be done with regard to the people's perception of corruption, a moral society and a society of greater integrity.

tunku : everyone is banking on najib to do the most awaited reform both in umno and in the government.he has to prove it.from april 2009 till 2011/2012 will be his test.he must get back people's confidence.we can't wait for the cleaning process in umno and government.