The harmonious relationship between the government, trade unions and employers has helped the country achieve economic growth and carve a name for itself, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

In his Workers Day message, the premier said the government appreciated the close cooperation as this was in view of the borderless world economy where workers with knowledge, high discipline and commitment were needed.

Abdullah said Malaysian workers were indeed highly committed and disciplined and had the capacity to increase their knowledge and skills.

The main resource for economic progress and technological development of a nation was its people and their potential, he was quoted as saying in a Bernama report.

Malaysians will join the rest of the world in observing Workers Day tomorrow which is a national holiday.

Noble aspiration

Meanwhile, Abdullah said only through close cooperation could the noble aspiration to develop the country in a liberal and globalised world be realised.

The premier said in line with developments universally, the government had chosen the theme 'Together We Face Global Challenges' for the Workers Day celebrations this year.

The selection of this theme also reflected the importance attached to the triangular cooperation among the government, workers and management in developing the national economy, he added.

The prime minister also recorded the government's deep appreciation and extended greetings to all workers, trade union leaders and employers for their significant contributions towards the development and progress of the country and the people.

"It is my hope that Malaysians will continue to be workers of excellence and distinction and achieve glory by the year 2020 when the country achieves developed status," he said.

Greatest asset

In another development, Works Minister S Samy Vellu saluted Malaysian workers and described them as the "backbone" of the country's tremendous progress and achievements.

"Without the workers, our country will not have achieved such remarkable progress and we will not have received worldwide acclamation for being a progressive and developed nation," he said in his Workers Day message.

Samy Vellu said workers in the public and private sectors, had toiled to make Malaysia what it is today.

"I call on our workers to equip themselves with the latest knowledge to increase productivity. Increased productivity means better wages and more jobs," he said.

He said Malaysian workers were a disciplined lot, having remained calm and rational in times of difficulties.

"This is what makes them great. The workers are our country's greatest asset," he added.