Barisan will only make pledges it can fulfil, says Najib

KLANG: Barisan Nasional is committed to responsible politics and realistic promises that it can fulfil, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister highlighted this as the basic difference between the ruling coalition and Pakatan Rakyat's unfeasible politics, adding that the Opposition would not hesitate to promise the moon, the sky and even the galaxy to win votes.

“We do not practise populist politics but responsible politics. I don't make empty promises.

“If I make a promise, I will ensure the Government can implement it.

“I do not want people to criticise me for failing to fulfil my promises,” he told a crowd of thousands at the Sayangi Selangor Ponggal Festival here yesterday.

He cited the Opposition's electoral pledge to Kampung Buah Pala villagers in Penang before the 2008 general election as an example of its hollow promises.

He said Pakatan leaders had promised to allow the villagers to continue living in the village if they won the election and took over the state government.

“But the residents had to move out as the village had to make way for development,” said Najib.

“All promises by the Opposition should be treated as Janji Kampung Buah Pala as they usually remain unfulfilled. So, if they make more promises for the 13th general election, just brush them aside by saying Don't make Janji Kampung Buah Pala',” he added.

Special guests: Najib and Rosmah at the Ponggal celebration at Padang Chetty in Klang. Looking on is MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel (left).

 

Najib said over the past four years, the Federal Government had provided the most amount of assistance to the Indian community in the history of the nation.

Urging the community to help return Barisan to power so that it can continue helping them, he said: “The Opposition promised to help Tamil schools. But the answer is illae (don't have/no). All empty promises.”

Najib said that in Selangor, the people faced more problems under the Pakatan administration, such as destruction of temples besides issues involving water supply and garbage collection.

“They can fool you once, but they can't fool you all the time. Don't let them regard you as people who cannot think rationally,” he said.

The Prime Minister also urged the people of Selangor to vote for change in the state.

“Don't change the Federal Government, change the (Selangor) state government. Retain Barisan in Putrajaya,” he said.

Earlier, Najib visited a food court near here for breakfast and sampled several dishes, including rojak, mee jawa and lontong.

In a message posted in his blog www.1Malaysia.com.my in conjunction with Ponggal, Najib said more could be done for the Indian community with unity and continued nambikei (trust).

(Source: The Star Online)