KUCHING: The ‘Jelajah Janji Ditepati’ (Promises Kept Tour) yesterday was a crowd puller with thousands flocking to catch a glimpse of and maybe a handshake from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Despite the blistering heat and heavy traffic, families of diverse races and religions visited booths promoting programmes by government agencies at Wisma Bapa Malaysia Carpark.
One of the most popular booths was Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia with shoppers lining up to try out 1Malaysia products.
There were displays of 1Malaysia Menu, 1Malaysia Clinic as well as engagement of various government departments and agencies including PR1MA (Perbadanan Program Perumahan 1Malaysia).
This is Najib’s second stop after Batu Pahat, Johor in his nine-stop nationwide programme.
The event is seen as a platform and invitation to the people to assess the government’s performance after the 2008 general election. It is Najib’s last attempt to garner support from the people before the general election expected this year.
Also present were his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud and wife Puan Sri Ragad Kurdi Taib, state ministers and assistant ministers.
In his speech, Taib, who is also state Barisan National (BN) chairman, pledged continued support to the prime minister in the coming general election.
“We in Sarawak, especially the people who understand our fight, will continue to fight and help the prime minister in his wisdom to lead.
“We welcome the PM’s fight and urge him to continue his fight for the people because we will continue to support him as much as we can so the people can continue to progress,” he said.
Taib is confident of Najib’s ability to fulfill the people’s growing expectations as he is a hands-on leader who understands those on the ground.
“Times have changed and the way people think have also changed. People today have higher expectations and I know our PM can fulfill that expectation.
“In the five years of his becoming PM, Sarawakians are happy to see he understands people on the ground,” Taib added.
After the event, the PM made a stop at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Building to launch the ‘Sarawak Corridors and Cities’ Lab open day organised by The Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu).