‘I CAN TRANSFORM SARAWAK’

SYMBOL OF STRONG LEADERSHIP: Najib about to bite the blade of an Iban Nyabor sword in a symbolic ritual to boost strength and bravery at his first stop during his Gawai visit to the state at the Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan Hall in Betong. On his right is Taib while on his left Jabu.

By : ANTHONY AGA

PAKAN: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday said he could do more for Sarawak as he is aware of its needs ever since becoming Prime Minister some three years ago.

He said his statement was not hollow because over the past three years he had approved additional development projects totalling RM2.3 billion for the state.

In addition, he had also approved a fair share of funds for various infrastructure projects for the rural areas under the National Key Performance Area (NKRA) initiative.

“When over a period of three years the state has been able to enjoy so much in terms of development funds, I can assure you that in the many years to come you can expect more from the Barisan Nasional government.

“To ensure that development continues, the BN should be given a fresh mandate in the next general election because the development requires heavy expenditure and some time for implementation.

“We need to have a fresh mandate. If we can do so much in three years, we can surely bring about a major transformation in Sarawak over the next five years,” the prime minister said during a Gawai celebration at Rumah George Chunggut here yesterday.

Najib told the 3,000 people present that Malaysians should not doubt the ability of the BN government in administering the country as the successes achieved by the country thus far had been acknowledged by many world leaders.

In fact, Malaysia’s success in    uniting the people of various races and religions could make the country a model for other countries the world over.

“Malaysia can be a model for the world. This is not what the Barisan Nasional is saying, much less the opposition. Outsiders are recognising our success. The success is a fact and a reality.”

Citing the latest examples, Najib said two visiting US Senators, John McCain and Joseph Liberman, who paid a courtesy call on him recently, had openly acknowledged the success of Malaysia in maintaining harmony amongst its diverse populace and sustainable economic growth.

The acknowledgement of these two Senators was made out of sincerity based on what they observed, Najib stressed, adding on the contrary that certain quarters in the country had refused to accord recognition simply because they did not want to give credit to whatever good or great things the BN government had achieved.

In that respect, he urged the people of Sarawak to extend their mandate to the BN in the coming election.

On the Gawai celebration, Najib said he decided to visit longhouses in Betong, Pakan and Julau this year because he wanted a real feel of the occasion.

Najib, who was fascinated by the local song “Berkikis Bulu Betis”, said the song was unique in the sense that it portrayed the determination of the Sarawak people to rise up in the face of challenges.

As a form of recognition for the song, written by Andrewson Ngalai, he hoped it could be turned into a national song and sung on Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day.

Among those present were Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal; Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui; Social Development Minister Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom; Housing Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg; Deputy Minister of Information, Communications, Arts and Culture Datuk Joseph Salang; Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Fadillah Yusof; Deputy Minister of Transport, Jelaing Mersat Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan and Tuai Rumah George Chungut. (theborneopost)