PUTRAJAYA, Jan 27 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the perception that innovations and creativity only belong to the scientists, technologists and highly qualified intellectuals is totally inaccurate.

On the contrary, the Prime Minister said, they belonged to all strata of society and covered all aspects of life, development and progress.

"Innovation too does not belong to any particular individual or country or race because it can belong to everyone and if it is made into a culture or practice, it can empower a country.

"In moving towards a new economic model based on knowledge and innovation, only countries that have intellectual inputs as well as sophisticated and latest technology can be on the frontline in the race for progress.

"Evidence clearly shows that the key to success for the developed countries are innovation and creativity," he said when launching the Innovative Malaysia 2010 with the theme "Celebrating Creativity", at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, here Wednesday night.

Also present were his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations, Datuk Seri Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

In the meantime, Najib proposed that individuals, groups, government ministries or agencies that were successful in bringing innovations be given lucrative rewards commensurate with the results achieved.

At the same time, the Prime Minister proposed that every government ministry and agency set up a special innovations unit responsible for their various activities and innovative programmes.

"I want to see innovations not only confined to the computerisation system, but also covering all delivery systems, public services and customer touch-points so that they are more innovative, efficient, swift and effective.

"The government will continue to support innovations in the public service and make it into a platform and catalyst for national development because innovations in the public sector will promote similar development for everyone having any transaction with it at all levels," he said.

For the private sector which represents the "engine of growth" to the national development and economic growth, he said innovation was a must.

"The government plans to stimulate further the growth of private firms especially those that have Intellectual Property Rights components generated by the locals," he said.

In line with the agenda to generate and spur the national economy, Najib said innovations in a comprehensive manner, which covered and involved all Malaysians in all aspects of life must be given emphasis.

He said the innovative process must be made into the mainstream to empower the community towards achieving an innovative nation.

He said the Innovative Malaysia 2010 was an approach to inject innovation and creativity into the community through the development of the ecosystem capable of bringing changes.

"Thus, the primary effort is to ensure that there exists an ecosystem that gives space and an opportunity to society to create and expand their ideas.

"We need to eliminate obstacles that restrict the creation of innovative and creative ideas. An ecosystem that enables society to create ideas and think in an innovative and creative manner is crucial to the formation of a society that promotes innovative culture," he said.

Najib also called on parents, teachers and educators to play their role towards the enculturation of innovation and creativity.