clean energy-related industries

Published: Wednesday May 19, 2010 MYT 11:53:00 AM
Updated: Wednesday May 19, 2010 MYT 8:36:38 PM
PM proposes setting up of 'Clean Energy Development Bank'


KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has proposed that a “Clean Energy Development Bank” be established to accelerate the development of clean energy-related industries for the benefit of developing countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

Speaking at the 6th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said Malaysia was prepared to spearhead the initiative.

“As clean energy is being pursued by governments and security of energy supply is becoming a priority for countries with few, if any, hydrocarbon resources, there is tremendous potential for the development of alternative energy sources.

“I hope it (proposal) can be discussed during the forum's Special Leadership Dialogue Session on Climate Change,” he said in his keynote address.

Najib, who is the also the WIEF patron, said that as energy security was becoming a pertinent subject today, the green agenda should be made central to policy making

“The current reality must be recognised. We all stand accused of doing too little too late. We need to do more to develop alternative energy sources that address growing requirements and prevent further degradation of the environment,” he said.

Najib said more inter-government collaboration was required to formulate policies and initiate programmes which promoted renewable energy options, such as biofuels.

He said another area to enhance the countries' collective efforts to build strong, sustainable economies and fair, just societies was to strengthen efforts in human resource development, especially in education and training, which in his view, was far from satisfactory.

“No Muslim country can aspire to be a leader in any field without investing in education.”

Hence, Najib proposed that a Specialised Development Fund be established to develop an education infrastructure and support teacher training and academic research.

“Properly structured, managed and utilised, such funds can help reduce the educational gap that exists between the Muslim and non-Muslim world,” he said.

Najib said that as issues faced by the Muslim world were more daunting, the member countries could not afford to be bystanders but should instead embark on a revolution that could ultimately achieve a remarkable transformation in member countries and throughout the Muslim world.-Bernama

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