Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad attended a Workers' Day rally in Kuala Lumpur today with a call to all workers in the country to work as a team so that their contribution could be focused towards achieving the nation's development agenda.

A Bernama report quoted the premier as saying that o­nly by embracing the team spirit could workers forge ahead and enable the country to compete with other nations in the new era of international economy.

"The emergence of the new economy as a result of globalisation and the rapid progress of the information and communications technology has changed the process and manner of doing things.

"Besides, nobody is capable of carrying out each and every task as nobody is knowledgeable and skilful in all aspects," he said.

The rally, themed "Bersamamu Membina Daya Saing Negara" (Together With You In Boosting The Nation's Competitiveness) is held at the Putra Stadium, in the Bukit Jalil Complex.

Cooperation and support

Mahathir pointed out that the country's economic progress and development were greatly dependent o­n the cooperation and support of all parties.

He said that the workforce, as the pillar of the nation's development, should always be in top form, secure and productive.

The premier assured that the government would always strive to improve social security and boost the workers' progression through training programmes as well as to ensure their health and safety in facing the challenges of globalisation.

Workers' Day is celebrated o­n May 1 each year but Mahathir was o­n leave o­n May 1 this year and o­nly resumed duties o­n May 5. The rally today is also his last Labour Day speech to Malaysian workers as prime minister as he would be quitting his post in October.