Umno Emerged The Strongest Party Based On GE13 - Najib

Umno remains the party of the people's choice based on the results of the recent 13th general election, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said this was evident with Umno winning 88 of the parliamentary seats in the election, from 79 in the 2008 general election.

"If compared with the opposition, they have 89 seats, meaning Umno alone can equalise the seats won by the opposition allies comprising DAP, PKR and PAS," he told reporters after chairing the Umno Supreme Council meeting here Friday.

Najib, who is Umno president, said the party's performance was also gauged by its ability to wrest back Kedah and Perak, as well as the increase in votes obtained.

"According to our study, there is about 30 per cent increase in votes for Umno from the 12th general election," he added.

Najib: GE13 will be first social media polls

KUALA LUMPUR: The coming general election will be Malaysia's first “social media election”, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said that this was because politicians were already using social media to engage with people online.

“Of course, it will not be the biggest factor in the elections, but it is certainly increasing the tempo of political debate,” he said after launching the Malaysia Social Media Week 2013 summit.

As an avid social media user himself, Najib was given a special Leadership in Social Media Engagement Award at the event organised by the Malaysia Social Media Chambers.

Speakers included Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Tune Talk CEO Jason Lo and television host Aishah Sinclair.

In his speech, the Prime Minister said social media had encouraged greater openness.

“With social media, everyone has a voice, and can broadcast it to the world.

“It allows people to reach across traditional boundaries and barriers, to engage in real discussion, in real time,” he said.

Najib also posted his first Instagram picture of the audience which he took using his iPad on his newly set-up Instagram account @najib_razak.

He said the Government had put in a lot of effort to ensure every Malaysian had access to social media.

“Initiatives like Digital Malaysia offer smartphone vouchers to young people and expand broadband access in rural areas,” he added.

(Source: The Star Online)

Agent For Change: A Q&A With The PM On How The Things He Does Are 'For The Good of The Nation'

 PUTRAJAYA: Much wiser after four years, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not mince words, saying Umno has to run faster to catch up with him.

"Change or you will be changed," Najib warned.

Showing the political maturity wanted of many leaders, Najib also threw this challenge to Pakatan Rakyat: "For the good of the nation, set up a formal coalition, put up a shadow cabinet and we can sit down as mature leader."

Najib said all these and more to The Malay Mail journalists in an exclusive interview which lasted well part midnight in Seri Perdana on Sunday.

The Malay Mail (TMM): After the Umno AGM, are you more confident that you have managed to consolidate the party in time for the elections... you know, all the various "factions"?

NAJIB: I believe Umno is a much invigorated party after the clarion call I made, about four years ago, that we need to go through a process of self analysis, self criticism to know what we need to do to overcome the weaknesses and shortcomings that led to the political tsunami of 2008.

... also for us to consolidate ourselves and work on a plan to strengthen and revive Umno. I see that coming to a head, so to speak. All the work we've done over the last four years have come to fruition at this assembly because I see Umno with renewed vigor... a much more united Umno.

Of course, we still need to look at some of the internal challenges we have. That goes with every political party, there will always be differences of opinion. But, by and large, people want to work together to achieve a big victory for Umno and Barisan Nasional.

 TMM: Do you see more seriousness in Umno, this time (in responding to your calls to change face new realities)?

NAJIB: I do! I do see a stronger spirit, and they're heeding my call. For example we should be more inclusive, Umno should lead the way, we should take care of the Malays as well as the other races in the country.

I think that's gone through the assembly because people didn't ridicule or knock down the other races (this time) and there was none of the sensitive racial statements or terminologies that were used before.

This is a much more balanced and much more matured assembly, an assembly that is primed to go to battle, so to speak.