Najib takes jab at ‘family interest-based’ PPBM
Any party motivated by revenge and personal agenda will not last or succeed, says the prime minister.
KUALA KETIL (Kedah): Any political party premised solely on revenge and to pursue personal agendas will never succeed in Malaysia’s political arena, Prime Minister Najib Razak said today.
He singled out opposition party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM), which he said was a party with family interest at heart that would soon fizzle out.
“In our struggle, we cannot form a party that is motivated by disappointment, revenge, personal issues and family interests.
“If that is the basis of our ‘nawaitu’ (goodwill) – we form a party just because of our personal feelings – ‘nescayalah’ (trust me), it cannot last long.
“History has shown that a weak party with a strong leader will not last, but a party that is based on the fight of race, religion and country will prevail,” he told a 23,000-strong crowd at Padang Awam Kuala Ketil here today.
Najib was speaking to the people of Kuala Ketil and Baling during the event, “An evening with the PM”, organised by the Baling Umno division.
Division chairman and Baling MP Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah were also present.
Najib said he was humbled by the large turnout today, saying they easily outnumbered the turnout at PPBM’s official launch in Shah Alam, Selangor, recently.
“Last Saturday, what party was that … ‘parti bunga’… ah yes, PPBM … had a launch at the Shah Alam stadium. Reports say only 4,500 people turned up.
“Not even 5,000! I do not want to insult any party, but the reality is, the strength of Umno and BN is so apparent here, because we are party ‘keramat’ (sacred); our voters are grateful for what we have done,” he said.
Najib also poured scorn on the opposition’s stance on the 1Malaysia Peoples Aid (BR1M) issue, saying its leaders’ differing opinions were embarrassing.
“The opposition is in a cacamerba (disarray). (Opposition leader) Azizah supports BR1M, (Selangor MB) Azmin (Ali) does not. Tun Mahathir – he says it is a bribe.
“Then the following week, they say they want to implement BR1M. Where is the principle of ‘istiqamah’ (consistency)?
“They (opposition) are consistently inconsistent. Tak consistent sokmo!” Najib said.
Najib said it was more embarrassing that PPBM had itself offered to register people for BR1M.
He said it was unfair to call BR1M a bribe as aid recipients included those who have voted for the opposition.
“Many have called BR1M ‘dedak’ (animal feed), bribe and what have you. Let me tell you, it is not. It will be a bribe if I only give it to Umno and BN supporters.
“We are just giving it to low-income earners, regardless of who they have voted for.
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“Look, if all Malaysians do not want BR1M, then say it. I will abolish it,” he said, to a loud “no” from the crowd.