YAB PM has been very consistent in his message and aggressive in his approach with regards to Malaysia's position in rolling out Clean Energy Agenda. The latest proposal to set up Clean Energy Development Bank in this region will open up possibilities for many small-medium players to embrace clean energy technology in their businesses. Government from federal to local level must also see the benefit from this proposal. I can now imagine it would not be impossible to see such things like solar valley development in this country one day. He can't do this alone. The success in any Sustainable Development initiatives must be supported at all levels. Kudos Mr. Prime Minister !
Najib proposes Malaysia-led Clean Energy Development Bank
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 13:59:00
ALLIES: Najib (left) and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at KL convention center this morning — Pic: Razak Ghazali
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia wants to spearhead a Clean Energy Development Bank for the benefit of Muslim countries, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said at the opening ceremony of the sixth World Islamic Economic Forum (6th WIEF) this morning.
Addressing leaders and delegates from all over the world Najib stressed the need to develop alternative energy sources such as clean energy.
“There is tremendous potential in the development of alternative energy resources,” said Najib in his keynote speech.
“Clean energy is being pursued by governments. In countries where hydrocarbon resources are scarce, the security of energy supply has become a top priority.
In this regard, I would like to propose that a 'Clean Energy Development Bank' be established to accelerate the development of clean energy-related industries,” he said, adding that it will be for the benefit of countries affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC).
Najib, who is also the WIEF foundation patron, offered Malaysia’s service in leading the initiative, should it be implemented.
“Malaysia is prepared to spearhead this initiative. I hope this can be discussed during the Forum’s Special Leadership Dialogue Session on Climate Change. The subject of energy security is pertinent in this day and age,” Najib said. “We need to make the green agenda central to policy making. The current reality is that we all stand accused of doing too little too late.”
He added that more should be done to develop alternative energy sources that address growing requirements and prevent further degradation of the environment.
“More inter-governmental collaboration is required to formulate policies and initiate programmes that promote renewable energy options such as biofuels.”
The Prime Minister told the leaders present – among them the Sultan of Brunei Darussallam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia President Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Senegal President Abdoulaye Wade – on the measures that Malaysia have taken in formulating green-centric policies.
“In Malaysia, we have taken a number of actions. We established a Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, that is dedicated to addressing environmental issues. At the policy level, Malaysia has formulated a National Biotechnology Policy and a National Biofuel Policy. This is to leverage the natural strengths of Malaysia, such as its vast biodiversity and abundance of rainwater and sunshine for energy generation. At the practical level, we have introduced the Small Renewable Energy Programme. For example, the Suria 1000 programme offers incentives for corporations to invest in green energy such as solar power.”
Other world leaders present at this morning’s ceremony were the Kosovo President Dr Fatmir Sejdiu, the President of Maldives Mohamed Nasheed, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and first vice-president of Iran Mohammad Resa Rahimi.
The WIEF is an annual event which brings together world leaders and business leaders from the Muslim and non-Muslim world to network in the name of business.
The conference, held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, started yesterday and ends tomorrow.
The WIEF is headed by its chairman Tun Musa Hitam, who was also present this morning.
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