Opening speech by Tan Sri Ishak bin Pateh Akhir at the International Seminar on Local Level Development Alternatives

Abstract

Allow me first of all to say how grateful I am to the Organizing Committee for according me the privilege and honour to open this symposium. As Chairman of the University Council, I would like to congratulate the School of Comparative Social Sciences and the Chairman and members of the Organizing Committee for their initiative and splendid work and hope that their efforts will be more than amply rewarded. As Director-General of the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister's Department, I welcome the subject chosen for discussion because local-level development has direct relevance to Malaysia's efforts to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people, especially in the rural areas. In this connection I am happy to note that the participants of this symposium include representatives from departments and agencies which have direct responsibility for socio-economic development and hope that they will benefit from the sharing of experience and ideas with research workers and consultants from local universities and organizations as well as from overseas.