Najib: Stop raising questions on candidates picked

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TO THE NOMINATION CENTRE: Najib on his way to Dewan Sultan Ahmad Shah for the nomination. — Bernama photo

PEKAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday reminded Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) component party leaders and members not to question or dispute the candidates picked to contest in the May 5 general election.

The Prime Minister stressed that the party top leadership had made a decision and party leaders and members must abide by the decision and work for the candidates’ victory .

Urging them to remain united in the face of the May 5 general election, Najib said to ensure a resounding victory for BN, the election machinery must be effective and work as “one family” to galvanise support from the people.

“Now is not the time to dispute, to question and give views about the chosen candidate. The time to give opinion and discuss the candidacy issue is over.

“From today, close your books on candidates and focus attention on the general election. If we look back, it may weaken our spirit,” he said when speaking at a luncheon in his residence, here.

Najib said party aspirants who have not been picked as candidates did not mean “it is the end of the world for them.”

“Most importantly, the BN must be returned to power so that many things can be done to help the people,” said Najib, who is also BN chairman.

“The boat is in the river, the paddle is in the hand, come let’s row towards the destination … our destination is none other than a thumping victory for BN,” he said.

The prime minister said the BN election machinery’s responsibility was to explain to the masses and convey the message to them that the BN government was the best government for them.

“The BN has fulfilled its promises and brings hope to the people. The party’s election machinery must convince the people that the BN was the right choice,” he said.

Najib said the people had given their support to the government’s national transformation programmes but the opposition had not honoured a major part of its 2008 general election promises.

Najib said after the nomination day yesterday, he sensed that the atmosphere and the sentiments were most favourable to BN to continue administering the nation.

In fact, based on the BN’s achievements and its service track record, there was no reason for the people to be angry and suspect the BN government.

He said the BN government had proven its mettle to have implemented many development projects and had brought prosperity and progress to the country, he said.

“I believe the people are aware the BN can realise their dreams and their expectations. That’s why the BN’s manifesto is Fulfilling Promises and Giving Hope,” he said.

Meanwhile, Najib, who is defending his “trademark” Pekan parliamentary seat, hoped the BN election machinery in his constituency would continue to work hard to retain the excellent track record as the parliament seat that secured the highest majority in the last general election in 2008.

Najib defeated Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) contestant, Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainudin, by a 26,464-vote majority.

Najib polled 36,262 votes against Khairul Anuar’s 9,798 votes.

In this election, Najib is facing a PKR candidate, Fariz Musa, who is also   the party’s central leadership council member.

Najib also apologised to the Pekan electorate as he would not be in Pekan every day in this election as he had to help out other BN aspirants throughout the country.

“I’ve to shoulder a big responsibility. this time it’s different. This time I’m contesting as the BN chairman and the leader of the party.

“In my present capacity, I’m required to help campaign for our candidates country-wide.

“So, on days that I cannot be in Pekan, forgive me as I’ve to campaign for BN to ensure the coalition is returned to power in the states and at federal level,” he said.

He urged the BN election machinery and party members to ensure that BN retained the Pekan parliamentary seat.

“If BN wins, a lot of things can be done for this area,” he said.

This is the first general election led by Najib after he was appointed prime minister on April 3, 2009.

Najib said he was thankful to God as no untoward incidents happened during the nomination process yesterday.

He congratulated and expressed his appreciation to the Election Commission, the police and related government agencies for ensuring the nomination proceeded smoothly throughout the country.

“The incident-free nomination process showed democracy in Malaysia is healthy and is going on well. Malaysia can be a role model to other countries to emulate,” he added.

Also present at the nomination centre to lend support to Najib was his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and his mother, Toh Puan Rahah Noah.

The Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Convention Hall served as the nomination centre. — Bernama