KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians should not be taken in by the Opposition's promises which cannot possibly be fulfilled, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister noted that should Pakatan Raktan's Buku Jingga be implemented, the country could be bankrupt in just two years.

"There is no such thing as a free lunch, someone has to pay. Even if they abolish the PTPTN debts and provide free education, taxpayers must pay for it through increased tax," he said in his speech at the Tunku Abdul Rahman College (TARC) alumni association dinner here Friday.

He also said Barisan Nasional delivered its promises, as proven when Malaysia recorded a 5.4% economic growth in the second quarter, which Financial Times had described as "gravity-defying growth".

"This is a memorable achievement. There will be more opportunities as we continue to implement the economic transformation program and the government transformation programme," he said.

Najib added that education was the critical success factor for development, and the growth of TARC and the Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR) had enabled access to quality education.

"The Opposition has delivered a lot of political rhetoric and, if I may add, a lot of hot air as well. But MCA has given something meaningful by producing 160,000 graduates since its inception.

"I am supportive of TARC being upgraded to a university college, provided it goes through the due procedure of submitting the application for Higher Education Ministry to make its evaluation in an objective and transparent manner," he said.

Najib also said the Government would continue its RM1-for-RM1 funding for the institution as well as maintain the funding for operations and management.

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