As PM, Najib Will Never Sell Government Integrity

SEREMBAN, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said that as the Prime Minister he will not sell the integrity of the government by promising things that he may not be able to deliver.

He said he would not sacrifice the people's future nor that of the country merely to fish for votes in the general election.

"We must have principles in our struggles. We must have principles in life, that's why the general election is not about who will win, but the destiny of our country...we will determine its future soon.

"As such, let's strengthen our spirit, close ranks, instil in ourselves that if the party wins, we will still have a future and tomorrow," he said at a gathering of the leader with the Negeri Sembilan Barisan Nasional (BN) grassroots, here today.

Earlier, Najib was given a briefing by the Negeri Sembilan BN. The Prime Minister is on a one-day working visit to Negeri Sembilan today.

Also present were Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Senate president Tan Sri Abu Zahar Ujang; Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, Works Minister Datuk Seri Shaziman Abu Mansor, and Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Hasan Malek.

Najib said the BN members must cooperate and find the best formula because the party's internal strength was of utmost importance and if the BN were to lose, this showed that the coalition was not united in the true sense.

"Thus, we must know our strength, our weaknesses, the enemy's weaknesses and strength...overcome our weaknesses, I believe the BN will become stronger in Negeri Sembilan," he said.

The Prime Minister said public support for the BN today was improving because the people had placed their confidence in the coalition.

"The other side (opposition) makes pledges, but we are the ones who implement...BN is the one that delivers. Anyone can make promises...promise to abolish the PTPTN (National Higher Education Fund Corporation), toll, reduce fuel (prices), free this and that...No need to seek approval, anyone can say so.

But the election concerns choosing a responsible government, one that can take us to a much better future, that elevates the integrity of the people and country.

"This is our government, the BN government. We don't cheat the people, we don't sell populist policies, we are a responsible government (that cares) for the future of the country," he said.

He said the rakyat now had greater confidence in the BN government because it ensured that every pledge including those announced in the Budget was delivered.

"They (rakyat) receive the RM500 BR1M 1 (1Malaysia People's Aid) but I told them that the quantum for BR1M 2.0 will be bigger...some shake my hands to the extent of kissing the hand, some shake hands and said that they would vote for the BN this time. That's why if there are leaders who have made excessive statements...I'm not surprised because the people will judge such leaders.

"I've visited many places...when I shake hands with the people, I feel as though they want to support me...I don't know if I'm being cheated, but when they shake hands it feels as though they truly want to support us," he said.

He said history had shown that if the changes occurred based on the top-down principle and fulfilled the aspirations of the people, the changes had benefited the people and country.

"We can look at the history of the Japanese civilisation, for example, which is top-bottom. We can give other examples, but the latest, the Arab Spring, has not shown the desired result, that is the dividend from the shock had been disappointing and had frustrated the people of the affected nations.

"That's why transformation is better than reformation. Reformation teaches our people to demonstrate, eventually by throwing chairs. But transformation brings us to success and will benefit the country. They teach the rakyat to stage street demonstrations, but we build the rakyat's attitude. Even if they don't agree, demonstrate peacefully...abide by the rule of law.

"They ask the rakyat to break the law, (but) we teach the rakyat to respect the law.

"They make numerous promises and when we make 'promises fulfilled' they get worried...why? Because the BN fulfills its promises...the opposition makes empty promises," Najib added.