Quotes from Najib Razak

Don't gamble the future of your children and Malaysia; think and contemplate because your vote will determine not only the future of the country but also your grandchildren.

Economic progress and better education have directly resulted in the birth of a class of voters who are better informed, very demanding and highly critical.

The world is shifting from a hegemonic era, where the United States dominated alone, to a multipolar system.

Instead of passing on choppy waters to the next generation, we should endeavor to leave them a calmer sea.

This mandate that I seek is about continuity and sustainability against disruption and stagnation, about moving forward versus regressing. We have to safeguard what we have already achieved. We cannot put at risk what we have; we cannot gamble away our future.

It so happens, in Malaysia, the people who are in a way not doing as well constitute the majority of the people - the Bumiputeras.

Giving subsidies is a two-edged sword. Once you give it, it's very hard to take away subsidies. There's a political cost to taking away subsidies.

I am concerned if 25 percent of Americans think that President Obama is a Muslim. I mean, it's obviously a lack of knowledge. But also, it's for the Muslims as well, you know, because a small numbers of Muslims have really painted a very negative image of Islam.

Anything to do with any new form of tax, like consumption tax in Japan, carbon tax in Australia, these are big issues that cannot be easily decided.

My priority is to ensure peace and harmony in Malaysia. That is uppermost in my mind.

We have to prevent loss of life.

Agreeing to share prosperity, rather than let it divide us, is infinitely preferable to the alternative.

It's very alarming to see what's happening in the Muslim world. And it's about time we come to our senses and realize that moderation is the only path that will ensure peace and stability for the Muslim world, and for the wider world.

The disappearance of MH370 has tested our collective resolve.

I think the rise of China is inevitable, because China has moved from a low-cost producer, at low levels of technology, to higher levels of technology, and because it's very competitive, even in some high-tech products they offer at very competitive rates - much lower than their competitors.

For many decades, Myanmar was on the receiving end of very public diplomatic scoldings, often backed up by sanctions.

The world is changing quickly and we must be ready to change with it or risk being left behind.

I would argue that Asean has been instrumental in driving both economic growth and political development, and that there can be no clearer example than its relations with Myanmar.

You should allow professors to become really outstanding academicians, recognised worldwide, and you should reward them.

What I'm trying to do is get a change in the mindset so people move from a level of mere tolerance to total acceptance and eventually to celebrate diversity. If you feel comfortable with one another, it doesn't matter whether we live in which neighbourhood but we can interact with one another freely. It's a mindset.

I've made Umno more democratic, more inclusive. Of course, by doing that, I'm putting myself at risk.

I'm quite an advocate of free trade.

Together we will act to bring about national reconciliation, secure Malaysia's economic future, and build a stronger, more harmonious society.

I speak for all Malaysians in expressing my admiration for the Queen and the grace, poise and selflessness with which she has carried out her duties during her long reign. She represents the very best of British traits: dignity, resilience and hard work.