Make wise decision in GE14, Najib tells Baram folk
MIRI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak advised people of Baram to make a wise decision in the upcoming general election ( GE14) for a better Sarawak.
He said they had only two options, either to vote for change or vote for continuity.
“You have two choices, either you vote for change or you vote for continuity. We must think deeply before deciding between these two choices.
“Even if you prefer change, you have to make sure we will change for the better. But, if we choose continuity, I can ensure you that we will see a brighter future for Sarawak under the leadership of Barisan Nasional ( BN),” said Najib at a ‘ meet the people’ gathering and groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Marudi bridge here yesterday.
The Prime Minister pointed out that many countries had been misled by the word ‘change’, and cautioned that “Instead of change, the ones who replaced their previous leaders are far worse than what they had before”.
He cited Selangor as a good example where chaos happened because people just wanted change.
“Instead of being the most advanced state in the country, water crisis in Selangor has never ended. In fact, water supply in Sarawak is far better than in Selangor.
“Pemimpin dapat undi, rakyat dapat baldi ( Leaders got votes while the rakyat got pails),” he said, adding that this happened because the rakyat had chosen people with no understanding of state matters with the federal government as their leaders.
“Only if the Barisan Nasional is given the chance to rule in Selangor, I am sure we will be able to solve the problem,” he said.
As for Sarawak, Najib said the federal government has a good track record and master plan for development in the state.
“Sarawak has vast potential for various developments. That is why I have visited the state 60 times and attended more than 160 programmes in the state,” he pointed out.
Najib hoped Sarawak would continue to develop to greater heights in years to come under BN.
“Everything would be based on the right political leadership. With wrong political leadership all that we have been planning for the state would just be a dream never to be realised,” he added.
Najib said the federal government has very good relationship with the state government.
“This is the relationship that we have and when I come to Sarawak, I come not with empty hands.
“I have given out additional allocation for Sarawak. In a recent walkabout, Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah told me that he had counted the sum to be up to RM4.3 billion. For us, the most important thing is that we are able to provide for the people projects that could bring benefits and comfort to them that they are longing for,” he said.
On the Marudi bridge, Najib said it would facilitate the journey between Miri and Marudi and would definitely bring greater changes in the near future.
On another matter, Najib revealed that he did not know yet the candidate for Baram parliamentary constituency for GE14 but asked the people in Baram to wait for the announcement.
“We had won the seat. Now I hope we can increase the majority. With bigger majority, there will be more changes in this area,” said Najib.
Najib pointed out that Sarawak had greatly contributed to the strength of Malaysia.
“We cannot allow Sarawak not to be on par with the rest of the states. This is my commitment and with the support of our people here, we will surely bring Sarawak to greater heights,” he added.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani, Baram MP Anyi Ngau, Assistant Minister for Local Government and Marudi assemblyman Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini were among those present at the event.