"UTC" A Benchmark of Public Service, Says Malaysian PM

MELAKA (Malaysia), June 23 (Bernama) -- The Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) will be a benchmark of the best public service for the people, particularly urban dwellers, said Najib Razak. The prime minister said the people-friendly centre would give people the satisfaction of dealing with federal and state departments under one roof. "This concept is so successful and made a lot of people happy. This is an example of how state and federal governments can forge close cooperation and produce a concept that provide good facilities to the people. "I believe this centre will be a hit and will be a benchmark not only in terms of facilities provided, but also excellent services," he told reporters after launching the Melaka's UTC and the "Promises Fulfilled Tour" at Hang Tuah Street here, Saturday. He said the UTC, which was born out of a brainstorming session through the National Blue Ocean Strategy, would be noted for the people's touch. The Melaka's UTC, the first of its kind in the country, which houses 70 federal and state departments and agencies, is also equipped with a nursery, a prayer room and library and is open from 8.30am to 10pm everyday. "A massage service provided by trained disabled people is also available here. The masseurs get a satisfactory income and can lead an honourable life. This is what we want, give them skills so that they no longer be dependent on public charity, but seek a halal sustenance," he said. Najib, who was accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor, said the Melaka's UTC was set up in a record six-week after the decision was made to get it off the ground. He said the second UTC would be opened at the Pudu Central, Kuala Lumpur and work to covert a building was in progress. On the Euro 2012 quarter-final encounter between defending champion Spain and France, Najib, who is an avid Manchester United fan, said although on papers, Spain were stronger, luck also played a role. Present were Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam and Second Finance Minister Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah. -- BERNAMA