Najib Razak

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

“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.”

“I'm quite an advocate of free trade.”

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

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

“The stabilising power of economic union was one of the reasons the E.U. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.”

“As the leader of Southeast Asia's oldest democracy, I am always keen to share our experiences. In the half-century since independence, we have found that steady reform is the best way to secure lasting stability. It is a process that continues in Malaysia to this day.”

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

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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

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

“As a leader of a majority-Muslim nation, I believe Islamic countries must better understand what young people aspire to.”

“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.”

“The Arab awakening was driven by youth, organized by technology, and fired by a hunger for political change.”

“If we can increase the share of Islamic finance for the world, countries can benefit - and certainly, Malaysia can benefit from that.”

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

“People willy-nilly borrow for consumption. Civil servants willy-nilly borrow for consumption and then wonder why they don't have enough money at the end of the month.”