Chinese can form strong govt with Umno — Najib
SANDAKAN: With only 23 to 24 percent of Chinese in the country, the Chinese community could not form a government on their own, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
“But, with Umno, we could form a strong government that could fight for all. The Chinese community will benefit more if you support Barisan Nasional (BN).
“We (Chinese community) must not be swayed by lies spread by the opposition parties, especially DAP (Democratic Action Party) when they (opposition parties) say ‘ubah’ (change). When there is really a change those who will suffer are the Chinese leaders. Why? There will be less involvement of Chinese leaders under BN in the development of the community.
“So, we want our Chinese candidates to be chosen as it will be good for the Chinese community,” he said, adding that he will not forget to include the Chinese community in the BN leadership.
Najib was referring to three Chinese candidates in Sandakan representing BN in the coming election. They are Datuk Lim Ming Hoo (Sandakan parliamentary seat), Chan Tzun Hei (Elopura state seat), Datuk Seri Panglima Raymond Tan Shu Kiah (Tanjong Papar state seat), Datuk Linda Tsen Thau Lin (Batu Sapi parliamentary seat) and Lim Kai Ming (Karamunting state seat).
“In the last Cabinet, there were only three representatives (Chinese ministers) because they (Chinese BN candidates) didn’t do well in the last general election.
“I wish I could have done more (to increase the number of Chinese representation). So, please give us (BN) a strong mandate,” he said during a gathering session with some 700 Chinese community members over lunch at Four Points by Sheraton hotel here on Monday.
Also present were Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) advisor Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat, LDP president Datuk Teo Chee Kang, Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce president Tan Sri Andrew Liew Sui Fatt and Sabah MCA chairman Datuk Edward Khoo Keok Hai.
Meanwhile, Najib said that the BN is like oxygen, which is beneficial to all but easily being taken granted of.
“I agree with what Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat had said the Chinese community must think thoroughly and calmly on what they what their future to be.
“Don’t risk what we have today. We have peace, stability, prosperity and freedom,” he added.
He said that a stable political status of Malaysia would also ensure stability in the economic sector of the country.
“The global market is just waiting for a BN’s strong mandate. Once we win, it is bull’s run in the stock exchange. The global market predicted for MYR to be stronger, around RM3.70 or RM3.80 per USD (if BN wins).
“You will all benefit from this. Economic success of Malaysia depends on political stability. Means a strong BN government will give us stable economic. Malaysia has huge potential to become a strong economic and political power house in the region,” he added.
Najib also announced during his speech that upon request from Datuk Lim Ming Hoo, a Cardiothoracic Centre will be set up in Sandakan within the next five years.
He also said that the upgrading project of Sandakan airport would begin in the next few days, after delay due to a ‘stubborn’ contractor in charge of the project.
On Sabah, the Prime Minister said he had proven his commitment towards the state and would carry on with his commitment when BN wins GE14.
“We (BN) have all the plans laid out to make Sabah grow in terms of tourism, economic development. But you (the people) have to give us (BN) the right result (mandate).
“The other side (opposition) is uncertain. Don’t take a gamble. Be calm and rational. An election is about choosing the right government to make your life better,” he said.