Najib cites improved public transport as reason to vote BN

KUALA LUMPUR — Pitching for his first personal mandate, Datuk Seri Najib Razak cited today the "stark" improvement in public transportation by his government as a reason to support Barisan Nasional (BN) in the May 5 polls.

The BN chairman said his administration recognised the importance of public transport especially to the lower-income group and made it a key aspect of his National Transformation Policy as proof of his coalition's dedication to serve voters.

The caretaker prime minister (picture) pointed to the construction of the RM570 million Southern Integrated Terminal (TBS) in Bandar Tasik Selatan as one of the many success stories of BN's public transport policies. The terminal was started under his predecessor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's rule in 2007.

"TBS is an example of the success of the government's National Transformation Policy," he said at the official launch of the terminal.

"Apart from reducing traffic in the city and giving a good service to the people, it also gives business opportunities while affordable transportation can help people cope with the cost of living".

Najib said the idea of TBS was a part of a bigger effort to deliver an efficient and affordable public transportation system in the city while reducing traffic congestions.

Growing voter frustration over the country's poor public transport system had led Malaysia's sixth prime minister to steam roll efforts to improve public connectivity which has since become a a crucial component of his policies.

Among the most notable public transport projects under his governance is the multi-billion ringgit Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system, the country's biggest infrastructure project to date.

The PM had also recently announced a high-speed rail project linking Malaysia's capital city and Singapore to be completed by 2020, which the government said would boost development.

Najib said today the massive infrastructure projects undertaken by his BN administration proved it was a government that could deliver.

"Some quarters, they like to use this word 'ubah'," he said, using the Malay word for change that has been adopted by the DAP as its electoral catchphrase.

"what is important is not ubah, but the desired effect. Ask yourself if you actually need to change the government to get the desired effect?"

Najib reminded voters that much of Malaysia's success came from the policies of his coalition and they stood to lose it all if they chose not to maintain support for BN at the May 5 polls, just 21 days away.

"Can you imagine if don't have Putrajaya, the TBS, the North-South Highway, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KLCC, these are all provided by the present government," he said.

The opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has said it is confident of sweeping the seats this round, based on its reading of the "national mood for change" among voters angered by widespread corruption in the BN government.

The opposition pact had launched its election manifesto that proposed among others, cheaper car prices and expanding the bus network in the highly congested Klang Valley but Najib has repeatedly warned voters they risk destroying the country by voting into power a populist and financially irresponsible government.

(Source: The Malaysian Insider)