Najib in closed-door meeting with state BN leaders

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State BN leaders at the meeting and dialogue with the prime minister.

Najib arrives at the meeting hall. Also seen are (from right) Fatimah, Wong, Manyin and Talib.

(From left) Awang Tengah, Dr Sim, Abang Johari, Najib, Hishammuddin, Uggah and Rundi stand for the national anthem before the meeting and dialogue with BN leaders begins. — Photos by Tan SWl

KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak engaged with state Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders in a closed-door meeting and dialogue at a leading hotel here yesterday.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan as well as Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein were among those present.

The meeting, which was attended by most if not all state BN leaders, lasted nearly two hours.

Sources from both Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) and United People’s Party (UPP) said Najib had once again reminded the two parties to sing the same tune by finding the right pitch and harmonious note.

“The prime minister said BN is a big family. Many things are highlighted and the overall dialogue session was very good.

“The dialogue also talked about the importance to sustain a strong relationship between both state and federal governments in order to go forward and achieve the ultimate vision.”

Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said the dialogue session with Najib, which also touched on preparation for the next general election, was fruitful.

“The prime minister took the opportunity to meet with state BN leaders while he is here for the 13th  World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF).

“We discussed and heard advice, and most importantly we were told to get ready and ensure BN’s victory in the next election which could be called anytime. No date was mentioned though,” he added.

Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin, and Minister of Welfare, Community, Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah were also present.