Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak urged the people of Libya to unite to create a new era for the country following the death of its ex-leader Muammar Gaddafi.

The prime minister said: “What is important after this if for the people of Libya to open a new era which can promise prosperity to the people, seeing Libya is rich in oil while its population is small.

NONE “There is huge potential for the people of Libya who prior to this were unable to enjoy it.

“I hope they set aside the tribal feelings between them and find unity among the numerous tribes to decide on a government which is strong to steer Libya and enter a new era which can decide on their own direction and the future,” he said.  

Najib said this at a media conference after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park joint venture with his Chinese counterpart, Wen Jiabao.

Najib who arrived in Nanning yesterday for a two-day working visit at the invitation of China as Malaysia was selected as the China-Asean(CAEXPO) 2011 Expo Honorary Nation this year.

The prime minister said he had expected the ending for Gaddafi, 69, as the Libyan ex-leader of more than four decades had stated that he would defend his rule to the last and was prepared to face any possibilities.

Asked if Malaysia would recognise the new Libyan government, Najib said: “We will recognise the new government when the time comes because it is a certainty that the people of Libya will have in place a new government.”

Gaddafi was killed when rebel fighters attacked his town of birth and his last fort at Sirte Thursday, and ended the eight month rebellion to topple his rule.

Najib, when asked on Malaysian students in Libya, said the number was small and to date there were no reports of them being in danger.

- Bernama