Indians, he said, had a big role to play because their percentage as voters in most constituencies could be the determining factor.
“We saw Barisan Nasional's dismal performance in 2008 and among the factors was the Indian community's reduced support. But I believe this situation has been reversed.
“We have done studies there is the reality factor and the emotion factor. We (now) see that the Indian community has more confidence in Barisan,” he said in a special interview in the Tamil edition of BernamaTV's Hello Malaysia programme last night.
Najib pointed out that in Selangor, no temple had been demolished by Barisan while the Pakatan-led state government had taken action against some, including private ones.
Indian voters, he added, could ensure Barisan's overall victory, especially in states like Selangor, Perak, Penang, Johor, Negri Sembilan and Kedah.
He said he was touched that parties like the Indian Progressive Front and Indian non-governmental bodies were not only supporting but working to ensure a Barisan win.
On some Indians' lack of confidence in the MIC despite their overall support for him, Najib said: “Ours is a system of parliamentary democracy. My name is not on the ballot papers but those who represent me in certain areas are representatives from MIC.
“Therefore, they (voters) must regard MIC candidates as part of my team.”
Najib said ultimately, what was important were not certain individuals but the party which would be forming the government and the person appointed as prime minister.
Expressing his satisfaction with his first meeting with Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) recently, Najib said he welcomed their role in wishing to resolve problems involving the Indian community.
“I said I accept it, it's good. The more people there are who want to help the Indian community, the more effective our efforts will be,” he said.
Najib said he had also explained to Hindraf leaders that there was no place for extremists in Malaysia and that political extremists were dangerous.
“That's why we must lean towards moderation. If we are moderate in our stand (and) our demands, it will be easy for us to seek solutions. They (Hindraf leaders) understood,” he said.
Asked if he had enough rest and sleep in the run-up to the elections, Najib said: “InsyaAllah (God willing), I don't look that tired, do I? I'm still fresh.”
(Source: The Star Online)
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