Win In Selangor Crucial For Malaysia To Achieve Developed Nation Status - Najib

SHAH ALAM, April 17 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak said, Barisan Nasional (BN) must win back Selangor, not only for the prosperity of the people in the state, but for all Malaysians.

The Prime Minister said, this was because Selangor which is located in the Klang Valley contributed a significant percentage to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and could simultaneously spur the nation into becoming a developed nation in the future.

He said, if BN is not able to control Selangor, the federal government would find it difficult to ensure a high economic growth which Malaysia requires to achieve a developed nation status.

"The water supply problem in Selangor (for example) is a serious matter because it can damage the economic growth of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur which are located strategically in the Klang Valley.

"About 60 percent of the GDP comes from the Klang Valley, so the potential of becoming a developed nation depends on Selangor because the percentage of GDP from Selangor is big," he said after launching Selangor BN's 'Akujanji' here, Wednesday night.

Najib hoped voters in Selangor would make a wise choice by choosing the government that can fulfill promises and not be fooled by the unfulfilled promises made by the Pakatan Rakyat for the past five years.

He said the people must evaluate the failure of the opposition to fulfill their promises despite ruling Selangor for the past five years, compared with the various initiatives implemented by the federal government.

Najib therefore, urged the people of Selangor to vote for BN on polling day, May 5, to ensure a bright future.

The Prime Minister believed BN candidates chosen to contest 22 Parliament and 56 state assembly seats in Selangor would bring about changes to fulfill all the promises made under 'Akujanji'.

"On behalf of the Selangor BN, I would like to humbly announce that this is my team of hope to transform Selangor...a team that can fulfill the expectations of the people and ensure Selangor progress rapidly under BN rule," he said.

The Prime Minister said as the BN chairman and head of government, he would ensure every promise in the BN 'Akujanji' would be fulfilled if BN was given the mandate to rule Selangor, again.

"I will not be the Selangor Menteri Besar because I am contesting in Pekan (Pahang) but as the Prime Minister I will monitor the situation in Selangor to ensure every 'Akujanji' is fulfilled by the elected representatives," he said.

He said the people of Selangor are fed up with the empty promises made by the opposition.

Najib announced that among the main points of the Selangor BN 'Akujanji' were to consider an automatic extension of their land lease and the setting up of 'Selangor Peoples' Service Centre' (PAKAR) at 14 local councils.

PAKAR will become a centre to resolve problems faced by the people, based on feedback received, to ease the implementation of the promises made in the manifesto.

"Manifesto (Akujanji) is considered a promise...if we consider it a promise it is not a document that can be taken lightly or ignored. If the manifesto is not a promise, I want to ask, "What is the purpose of drafting and announcing a manifesto?

"BN's track record of fulfilling promises cannot be denied or questioned because even political and financial analysts have agreed that the BN government has brought about major changes through transformation programmes nationwide," he said.

The Selangor BN manifesto which promises a glorious future for Selangor, outlines seven thrusts and 56 pledges for the people of the state.

Also present at the launch were Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Selangor BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar and Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed.