Don't fall for Pakatan promises'

2010/09/16
By Roy Goh
roygoh@nst.com.my

SANDAKAN:  A promise by Pakatan Rakyat to topple the government on Malaysia Day two years ago remains a lie.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday advised the people not to be fooled by the opposition, especially when they made all sorts of promises.

"At the time, Pakatan Rakyat claimed they had support from the armed forces chief and 30 MPs who were ready to jump ship on Sept 16 that year.


"That was the biggest lie by the opposition because, until today, the Barisan Nasional government is still here, delivering what it promised to the people."

Najib said this here during the simultaneous launch of the state Juara Rakyat programme, hosted by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, the 1Malaysia Milk for Schoolchildren, the Malaysia Day celebrations and the district Hari Raya open house.

"I believe that today (yesterday), I am witnessing the biggest turnout for a Juara Rakyat programme in the country so far. To me, this is a testament of the grassroots support for BN in Sabah, and the chief minister, too," he said of the crowd at the town padang, estimated to be over 50,000.

"To me, Sabah is still a 'fixed deposit' for the BN coalition and your presence here tells us why. On our part, this also shows that the people can depend on the BN government to bring more development and progress.

"I have always liked coming to Sabah because all of you wear bright colourful attire; the dance performances and the way people talk are unique, yet we can accept everyone's differences.

"This is the best example of the true meaning of 1Malaysia.

"When I introduced the 'walkabout', I went down to the street to meet people at a moment's notice, no red carpets and no huge banners, because I wanted to be with all of you and to listen to what you had to say. I will continue to do so."

On the significance of Malaysia Day, Najib said he did not see it conflicting with Merdeka Day or Independence Day, which falls on Aug 31, because of its legacy to the people in Sabah and Sarawak when it decided to form Malaysia with Malaya in 1963.

By the same token, however, Najib said there was a need for more effort to explain the importance and significance of historical events in the right perspective, especially in schoolbooks, for future generations to appreciate.

Meanwhile, in launching the 1Malaysia Milk for schools, Najib said that he hoped future generations of Malaysians would be healthier, bigger and brighter because of the nutrition provided through the milk programme for primary school pupils. The programme may start next month.

The Education Ministry will spend about RM4 million in the initial months and distribute the milk to Year One to Year Six pupils.

The programme was discontinued in 2007 following complaints of contaminated milk being supplied to pupils in Peninsular Malaysia.

Following discussions recently between Najib and Musa as well as Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, a plan was made to revive the programme with fresh milk supplied by Sabah.

Najib also advised members of the Sabah BN coalition to adhere to the principle of resolving issues within the confines of meeting rooms and not go public with them.

"We have always used meeting rooms to resolve problems or issues," he said in reference to a recent outburst by Sabah Liberal Democratic party leaders who took a stand claiming they could no longer work with Musa as the state BN chief.