GE13: Barisan vows to protect its bastion in Johor

Crowd puller: Najib mingling with the crowd during his visit to Taman Sentosa in Johor Baru.

 

PONTIAN: Barisan Nasional has vowed to do its all to protect its stronghold in Johor against the onslaught by “outsiders”.

Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Johor was very important for the coalition as it was the place where the struggle for modern Malaysia began.

Najib, who is on a one-day visit to the state, said he had come here to ensure that the Barisan fortress in Johor remained intact and that its strength was not undermined.

“Do not forget the history of the country. That is why we must defend Johor, the place where it all started for modern Malaysia.

“We are urging the people here to give Barisan the mandate because we know we are better than the other party. All that they have done is lie to the people, just like how they have lied to the people of Selangor for five years,” he said in his speech at a gathering in Pekan Nanas here yesterday.

Najib also told the people not to waste their votes on someone who was only good at giving speeches at ceramah, adding that a good orator would not necessarily make a good leader.

“When we choose a leader, we need to pick someone based on merit, his track record, his vision and his road map for the future. It has to be a leader who can take us to our destination and fulfil the destiny of our country and not one who can only make promises,” he said.

Najib said the state's culture of moderation and accommodation known as “The Johor Way” had contributed greatly to its success.

He said “The Johor Way” included the moderate and accommodating practices adopted by the state Barisan Nasional-led government, which had seen Johor prosper and remain free of any serious conflict.

“Datuk Abdul Ghani (Othman) has adopted a very inclusive policy during his tenure as mentri besar. For example, Chinese schools and non-governmental organisations are getting a lot of help.

“This style of leadership and policies in Johor have led to peace, harmony and political stability,” he said.

He also said the fact that the Opposition's ceramah in several parts of Johor were well attended showed that democracy was alive and healthy in the country.

“However, we will double our effort. We will strive to do better until the last day of campaigning,” he said.

Najib added that Pakatan Rakyat was fragile due to internal bickering and it had not shown any sign of being able to form a viable and credible government.

“When they want to cover up their internal problems, they will say that they are fighting on a common ground to defeat Barisan,” he said.

(Source: The Star Online)