Pakatan failed to be alternative to Barisan, says Najib

Datuk Seri Najib Razak took a swipe at the opposition today, saying Pakatan Rakyat has failed in its attempt to be the alternative to the ruling coalition.

The prime minister said there is no “viable alternative” to the BN as the opposition has failed to copy the ruling party’s formula in promoting cooperation and mutual respect between all races.

"The opposition tried to imitate us. But in Selangor, the political understanding between the three parties has broken down," Najib said when opening Makkal Sakti’s annual meeting at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Comparing Pakatan with BN, Najib said the ruling coalition has 13 parties and many other parties which it regarded as “friends of BN”.

"We are sincere and we want to achieve our mission together because we believe in power sharing, in the National Transformation policy, one Malaysia and New Economic Models," said Najib.

He said this is what BN is all about despite the accusations levelled at the coalition in social media and in the opposition’s campaign before and after the 13th general election.

"But today what we can see is they tried to be the alternative to BN but they failed," he said.

Najib said for a better future for the nation, there was no other viable option or alternative to BN.

"Imitation goods are not better than originals, originals are way better," he said.

Najib also said that he may not be able to fulfil all “requests” as he has to be fair to everyone.

“I may not able to satisfy and fulfil all but I have to be fair to every party. I have to take into consideration everything before making a decision. There are things that I can do and there are things that I cannot do.”

He said this was the way BN ruled the country.

The prime minister also touched on the goods and services tax (GST) which will be implemented next April. He said if the government raised more revenues, it was easier to help the people.

"Many of us are not paying tax. We cannot afford to sustain our increasing expenses. Our aim is not to burden the rakyat. GST is for the future of the rakyat. The more we make, the easier it is for us to channel aid to assist the rakyat.”

He pointed out that 162 countries have implemented the GST and Malaysia’s rate will be among the lowest at 6%.

"This is our way of managing the country. Having populist policies are not enough to rule the country.

"If we do business, we cannot give everything for free or else we will go bankrupt."

Najib said BN was a responsible party and even though it may not be able to fulfil all requests, it could ensure a brighter future for Malaysians.

Critics of the GST have claimed that the consumption tax would hit low- and middle-income earners but Najib’s administration claimed it was necessary to trim the national deficit.