News

Published: Saturday September 1, 2012 MYT 4:00:00 PM
Updated: Saturday September 1, 2012 MYT 4:15:53 PM

PM calls on BN parties to erect "political barrier"


PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak called on members of all Barisan Nasional parties to erect a "political barrier" and foil attempts by the opposition coalition to capture Putrajaya in the next general election.

The prime minister said that in the process, Barisan would not only be victorious but also win big and in style.

"They (the opposition) may flaunt the 'Road to Putrajaya' slogan, but we want to stop their march to Putrajaya. We do not wish to set up a police roadblock, but we will put up a political roadblock because they are not qualified to occupy the seat of Putrajaya.

"We are the ones who developed Putrajaya. They are not eligible because they have uttered lie after lie. They have not fulfilled promises, and many of their so-called plans are left hanging," he said when opening the Putrajaya Umno Division delegates meeting, here.

Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and BN and Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who is also Putrajaya Umno Division chief and Putrajaya MP, were also present at the event.

Najib said the Putrajaya Umno Division was the symbolic representative of the Federal Territory of Putrajaya and, as such, the success or failure of the division would be a determinant in the effort to safeguard the reins of the country.

"Therefore, we must strengthen Putrajaya Umno. We must be spirited, and never tire and cannot tire, in continuing with our struggle.

"We must ensure that we will not retreat an inch or even for a second, but will march forward to ensure a more glorious future for the country," he said.

Najib said Umno's struggle ran parallel to the struggle for independence, even with the need to deal with various challenges while negotiating a difficult path.

"Many had predicted that the country will have to put up with a difficult journey to become a successful country, but it is evident after 55 years of independence that the predictions were totally misplaced. Today, our country is regarded as a model for success," he said.

Najib said many of the delegates of the Putrajaya Umno Division were from the post-Merdeka generation and they should not forget the essence of the independence struggle, such as the sacrifices and the need to remain united to achieve success.

"Today, 45% of the voters are of the younger generation. Are their thinking and expectations similar to those of the previous generations? Although they were born after Merdeka and received education and scholarships as a result of the struggles of Umno and the BN, do they support us wholeheartedly?" he asked.

These were the new realities and environment which must be understood while retaining the old values, he said, adding that adapting to the new environment was of utmost importance because there was no political invulnerability in a parliamentary democracy.

"We may have gone through a (political) nightmare in 2008, but we have woken up, have rebuilt our fortitude little by little through sacrifice and pain. So, let's close ranks and continue with our struggle to ensure that the reins of administration remain with Barisan," he said. - Bernama

  • E-mail this story
  • Print this story
  • Bookmark and Share

Follow us The Star Online on Facebook The Star Online on Twitter TheStarOnline.tv The Star Online's RSS Feeds