BAD MATH! DAP, PAS, PKR individually lost popular vote to BN

Incredibly, some people are, 26 days on, still mystified by May 5′s aftermath but here goes: Barisan Nasional triumphed handsomely to indisputably re-constitute the government after securing 133 parliamentary seats, well above the required first-past-the-post 112 but short of the magic 148 to win by a super majority.

However, opposition disinformation is pestering the electorate to presume that the BN somehow lost on two counts — unproven fraud and the so-called “popular” vote designed to coerce the BN to capitulate and surrender Putrajaya.

The DAP, in seizing a Chinese tsunami-inspired 38 seats, is still no closer to their leaders’ lifetime fantasy of co-ruling while Pas lost Kedah (and Perak, if you need to be picky) and PKR their overall 2008 gains although Kelantan and Selangor were fortified as strangleholds.

Pas and PKR were stumped by an Umno rejuvenated by Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s earnestness in picking up the post-2008 shattered pieces while Sarawak and Sabah BN stoutly stood their ground despite the massive ground assault.

BN’s blot? The MIC outperformed expectations but for the near-deaths of MCA and Gerakan, scrambling now for salvation through a speculatively inventive single multiracial party.

Putrajaya was a tantalising mirage when the polls results knocked the wind out of the defacto PKR leader’s premiership fixation. But it did not crush his dangerously fading agenda of incessantly fibbing about a “fraudulent” election — a “monstrous” lie as Dr Chandra Muzaffar indelicately put it, or as we’d like to put it, the sorest loser.

The loathsome soiree between Anwar and the dynastic duo of Lim Kit Siang and Lim Guan Eng needed to save face and appease a frustrated Chinese protectorate gifting them the record 89 seats by concocting the ridiculous disinformation campaign that the opposition, morally, won by edging the BN on the “popular” vote.

Nice try but wearied people have disavowed the disinformation. Unruffled, the opposition is determined not to lose its perception war by resorting to massive rallies, idiotic 100,000 police reports and clumsy sedition — overthrowing the government within a year on the noisy clamouring of a vicious street mob and its contempt of established court practices to hear election complaints.

The loose cannons spewing the allegedly seditious “overthrow the government” utterances have been deservedly arrested and charged, Malaysia’s rule of law decisively at work despite the predictably lame protests of political meddling, the ultimate argument of people who have lost the plot.

Strangely, the ragtag opposition is schizophrenic on the escalation of mob marauding: Pas emphatically dismissed it, key senior DAP and PKR leaders have disassociated themselves from it but the Lims are still two-faced about it, enjoying their reign in Penang but buttressing anyway Anwar’s nihilism.

Still, one cannot get over the engineering to overthrow this democratically-elected government that was fuelled by these humdingers — the logistically impossible deployment of immigrant workers to vote surreptitiously and the hindrance of legitimate voters by certain oppositionists’ fascist thuggery of racial-profiling, scapegoating and bodily harm.

Debunking the “popular vote” fairy tale will be difficult: the gullibly belligerent presuming that total votes counted (proper description for the so-called “popular” vote) split three ways, the highest to the PKR, followed by DAP and Pas, can amount to a singular but “mythical” united force. The myth is cynically perpetuated on the deceitful sloganeering of racism, corruption and rigged polling, consistently rubbished as fabrication but still eagerly consumed.

Eventually, the “popular” vote battle cry was bound to sink on its hysteria: losing BN Shah Alam candidate Zulkifli Noordin, formerly of Anwar’s legal team to fight his sodomy charges, crunched intriguing numbers that deflated the “popular” vote moralising.

Here’s how Zulkifli clarified total votes counted, starting from the biggest gainers:

Barisan: 5,237,699 or 46.53 per cent (133 seats); PKR: 2,254,328 or 20.03 per cent (30 seats); DAP: 1,736,267 or 15.42 per cent (38 seats); Pas: 1,633,389 or 14.51 per cent (21 seats); and, others: 192,904 or 1.71 per cent (no seats).

Zulkifli argued that Anwar’s claim that his troika won the “popular” vote is “twisted logic” on these aspects:

DAP-PKR-Pas axis contested on separate symbols of rocket, eye and moon without a unifying symbol like the BN’s “dacing” and further aggravated by its unregistered status; and, the “incentuous” battles where Pas and PKR fought each other but yet added the sum total as part of Pakatan’s “popular” vote.

The conclusions from these numbers are clear: Anwar’s troika plus scattered opposition votes were expediently counted as a unified entity when the reality is that the three conflicting parties merely put up a good show, no matter how dubious.

Seen from this discrete prism, PKR, DAP and Pas lost the so-called “popular” vote but are maladroitly re-inventing the rules to salvage their lost cause.

What is it then? A juvenile attempt at power grabbing by sheer determination and double-dealing. However, Anwar and the Lims are too vengeful to spot the hypocrisy and irony.

Najib renewed Malaysia's commitment to empower women

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak today renewed Malaysia's commitments to empower women following his re-election as prime minister.
Delivering the keynote address at the Women Deliver Global Conference 2013, Najib said every girl and woman, regardless of her religion, political affiliation, social status or location, deserved a safe, healthy and prosperous life.
"Our national, regional and global stability depend on it.
"When our girls and women are educated, healthy and independent, the benefits extend beyond individual freedom to prosperity and achievement," he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this morning.

Malaysia's governing coalition wins majority

Malaysia's ruling coalition has retained its 56-year hold on power in hard-fought elections but opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says the victory is tainted and has refused to concede. The Barisan Nasional (National Front) coalition led by Prime Minister Najib Razak got well past the threshold of 112 seats for a simple majority in parliament, standing on 133 as final returns continued to trickle in early on Monday.

Najib, 59, called for a spirit of "reconciliation" after Sunday's elections, which saw record voter turnout and were preceded by a fierce campaign that laid bare deep polarisation in the country. "For the sake of national interest, I ask all parties, especially the opposition, to accept this result with an open heart," Najib said. "Overall, the results show a trend of polarisation which worries the government. If it is not addressed, it can create tension or division in the country." Police have banned all victory parades and street demonstrations after the declaration of the results.

But Anwar, whose three-party Pakatan Rakyat (People's Pact) alliance had hoped to pull off a stunning win against the only government Malaysia has known, was in no mood to concede. "It is an election that we consider fraudulent and the EC (Election Commission) has failed," an exhausted-looking Anwar said after the announced returns dashed early hopes among his supporters that victory was at hand. Among irregularities alleged by the opposition, Anwar has said tens of thousands of "dubious" and possibly foreign voters were flown to key constituencies to sway results. The government denies the charge. Legal avenues Opposition officials said Pakatan Rakyat would explore possible legal avenues over such allegations, but the poll result is likely to stand as court challenges that threaten the government's hold rarely gain traction. The EC said a record 80 percent of the multi-ethnic country's 13 million registered voters - or more than 10 million people - had turned out on Sunday. Voters took to the internet in droves to accuse Najib's government of trying to steal the election, as indelible ink that he touted as a guarantee against voter fraud was found to easily wash off. Social media websites have been abuzz with videos showing foreign nationals receiving citizenship through dubious means and then being transported into voting centres to vote, Al Jazeera's Florence Looi reported from Kuala Lumpur.

Videos, pictures and first-hand accounts of purportedly foreign"voters" being confronted at polling centres by angry citizens also went viral online. Najib had been under pressure from conservatives in his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), Barisan Nasional's dominant force, to regain seats lost in 2008 polls when Pakatan Rakyat stunned the ruling bloc with its worst setback ever. There have been warnings that he could face a leadership challenge within UMNO if he fell short. Najib appears to have failed to improve, but did not lose significant ground in parliament, and Barisan Nasional gained back one of four states held by the opposition. Malaysia has 13 states. Najib also has been squeezed by rising public pressure for reform, to which he has responded with some limited liberalisation moves. He had called for voters to give him his first mandate - Najib was installed in 2009 when his predecessor was dumped over the 2008 result - so that he could continue his reform agenda. Career at a crossroads The election outcome raises the spectre of an end to the charismatic Anwar's remarkable career, after he earlier pledged to step aside as opposition leader if he failed to win the long-awaited election. Anwar, 65, was deputy prime minister until his overthrow in a 1998 power struggle with then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and jailing for six years on sex charges widely viewed as trumped up, events that deeply polarised Malaysian politics. Anwar later brought his pan-racial appeal to the once-divided opposition, dramatically reversing its fortunes. After leading Pakatan Rakyat to historic gains in 2008 polls in which it denied Barisan Nasional its powerful two-thirds majority for the first time ever, Anwar had aimed to topple the government on Sunday. Pakatan Rakyat campaigned against corruption and pledged to roll back a decades old quota system that favours ethnic Malays in schools, business contracts and civil service jobs. But ethnic Malay-dominated Barisan Nasional retained powerful advantages, including control of traditional media, key institutions and an electoral landscape which critics say is biased in its favour.

Malaysia’s economy ‘to pick up pace in 2H2013’

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 — The Malaysian economy will pick up pace and grow further in the second half of this year following the moderate performance in the first quarter, says a leading banker.

Maybank president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said the moderation in the gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter reflected the weak economic activities during the period.

“I expect the economy to pick up in the second half, driven by the removal of the political uncertainty and the government’s strong economic policy,” Abdul Wahid, who has been appointed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), told reporters after attending the SSM National Conference here today.

Bank Negara Malaysia announced last week that Malaysia’s GDP expanded by 4.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year amid the weaker external environment compared with 5.1 per cent in the same quarter last year and 6.5 per cent in the fourth quarter 2012.    

Abdul Wahid said the country’s economic driver would be the new government economic plans.

“The Maybank Investment segment has forecast about 5.3 per cent growth this year and the government expects about five to six per cent. I believe we should achieve somewhere along there,” he said.

Abdul Wahid said he was confident that Maybank Islamic would contribute one third to Maybank group’s earnings.“We expect the Islamic bank segment to contribute more and achieve one third by 2015,” he said, adding that currently Maybank Islamic contributed about 30 per cent to the Maybank group’s earnings.

He said the Islamic banking was growing especially in Malaysia.Asked on the bank’s succession plan, Abdul Wahid said the board of directors were in discussions to pick his successor.

“I’m sure the bank has a good succession plan and they probably need some time before making any announcement,” he said.Abdul Wahid said he would resign as Maybank president and chief executive officer on June 4.“But before this, let me complete my duties at Maybank, which will release its first quarter financial results on May 23,” he said.

Abdul Wahid described his new responsibility as the minister in charge of the EPU as a very challenging task.

“I’m very nervous on my new position as a minister, this is a public office, with a mammoth responsibility, but I’m honoured to serve the country.

“This is a great challenge and I will do my best,” he said.After helming three corporate giants, namely UEM Builders Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Bhd and Maybank, he will take his oath of office as a senator on June 5 to assume his minister’s post. – Bernama  

Boycott ‘madness’ festivals, accept defeat

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysians must boycott the “pesta kegilaan” (festival of madness) by the opposition over claims of electoral fraud and accept that Barisan Nasional won the 13th general election.

Newly minted Communications and Multimedia Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said this when asked to comment on Home Minister Zahid Hamidi’s statement that Malaysians unhappy with the electoral system should emigrate.

“I have to see the context of Zahid’s statement, what was reported [before I can comment]… but I agree…that there are ‘madness festivals’ being run by sore losers,” said Ahmad Shabery at a press conference today.

“I feel this must be stopped. Most importantly, the rakyat must stop them, must boycott them and leave them because these festivals are about rejecting the decision made by the rakyat through our electorate system,” he added.

Ahmad Zahid wrote in a column published last Wednesday in Utusan Malaysia that the opposition was deliberately confusing “Chinese youths and politically blind followers” into protesting the election results.

This was in response to the series of mega rallies Pakatan Rakyat organised, claiming that electoral fraud and an incompetent Election Commission had robbed them of their victory.

But Ahmad Shabery today mocked the opposition and their supporters for “behaving like children” and “shrieking here and there” and suggested that their actions contravened the country’s democratic and constitutional system.

“We have to see what laws applies against these sore losers who act outside the limits of our democratic and constitutional system,” said Ahmad Shabery.

“Are they seen as going against our constistution and democratic system?” he asked.

He also dismissed Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s argument that Pakatan was the rightful victor by virtue of winning the popular vote, insisting instead that the opposition pact only won big in urban areas.

“Even if they won the popular votes, it was in the urban areas. But our country’s democratic system takes into account not only the urban votes but the rural.

“They can’t dismiss the voters in Kapit, in Machang and Kinabatangan as unimportant. If the people there have said they want the existing party to continue ruling Malaysia, they must accept this,” he added.

He pointed out that despite claims of electoral fraud and gerrymandering, Pakatan had no qualms about accepting their victories in Selangor and Penang.

“If they didn’t agree with the system, they wouldn’t have accepted the swearing in ceremony of the Selangor Menteri Besar [PKR's Khalid Ibrahim] and Penang Chief Minister [DAP’s Lim Guan Eng]. But they did,” said Ahmad Shabery.

Thumbs up for BN's manifesto

REALISTIC: It doesn't promise the moon and the stars, only things which are deliverable, say leaders
KOTA KINABALU: THE Barisan Nasional (BN) manifesto unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has received the thumbs up from leaders nationwide.

In Sabah, the coalition members welcomed the election manifesto which promises hope and confidence for the people.Sabah BN chairman Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the manifesto would continue to put Malaysia on the fast track of development.

"It has concrete pledges that take into account the needs of all Malaysians, regardless of race and background."It also outlines specific programmes geared towards the development of women and youth and even the welfare of the disabled," he said, adding that the prime minister was right when he referred to the document as "a promise of hope" and not just a mere manifesto.

Musa said what was contained within the BN manifesto was realistic, achievable and trustworthy, unlike the opposition's which promised the moon and stars just as bait to get the people to vote for them.United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (Upko) president Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said the manifesto was a continuation of what had been outlined by BN in the last four years since Najib took over the helm of the country.

Dompok also expressed that the BN-led government should be returned to look into the infrastructure and development in the state.Sabah Gerakan chief Datuk Gordon Leong said the manifesto asserted the coalition's "Promise of Hope" if re-elected into government."BN has track record of achievements and we need a government that has track record, workable plans and proposals.

"Therefore, it is crucial for the people to evaluate the 'Promise of Hope' of BN versus manifesto of PR objectively."Puteri Umno chief Datuk Rosnah Shirlin said the manifesto was a proof that BN was a government that reached out to the people.

"The manifesto serves the needs of the people, not only in the peninsula but also Sabah and Sarawak."
In Gopeng, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek described BN's manifesto as holistic, realistic and pragmatic.

"It will ensure Malaysia's economy continues to prosper and its people to have high income by 2020," he said, adding that the manifesto was the result of three discussions Najib had with BN component party chiefs.Speaking to reporters after visiting the Lawan Kuda New Village, Dr Chua said the manifesto placed priority on the people and the country's development.

"We also welcome the assurance that Chinese education will be supported by the government and assistance to these schools will be continued."The party was also glad that the manifesto took into consideration MCA's proposal that civil service and government-linked companies to be multiracial."It's a warranty that is in line with the 1Malaysia concept which practices inclusive policy."In Seremban, Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said there was a striking difference between 0BN and Pakatan Rakyat (PR) manifestos.

He said the opposition's manifesto tabled earlier offers sweet promises to entice voters which if implemented could destroy the country."BN's manifesto is a promise. It is a continuation of our work and our commitment to further improve the people's lives without jeapordising the future of our country."

Mohamad said BN's manifesto also clearly listed the methods and means to achieve the coalition's target.
"It shows the PM's commitment in the next five years to double the government's effort to help the people."

Negri Sembilan MIC chairman Datuk T. Rajagopalu described the BN manifesto as inclusive and fair to all Malaysian regardless of their races.Former PKR leader Datuk Seri Zahrain Hashim also lauded the BN initiatives for low-income groups.

"Those who criticise the policy are usually the ones who do not even pay tax, but they are among the first to line up to receive it."It is taxpayers' money but it is how the government manages the money that counts. Now that BR1M will be given annually, this will definitely alleviate the people's burden. It is definitely a smart move by BN."

In Malacca, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the BN manifesto was practical as it was based on what the government was capable of achieving."BN's promises are reasonable as they take into consideration the country's income, economic growth and ability to repay, while ensuring that the people's needs are met.

"We mean to fulfil these promises, unlike the opposition, which make claims that they will provide all sorts of things for free without taking into account the country's capacity to support such promises."He added that BN's pledges were balanced, touching on crucial economic and social aspects, including a solid plan to take Malaysia to greater heights on the global stage.

"Not only will the people's income be increased, but basic amenities such as public infrastructure and transport systems, including the West Coast Expressway and the Pan Borneo Highway, will be improved for the betterment of the nation."All sectors involved will be empowered to enhance national economic growth, driving us closer to becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2020."

Ali added that he was confident that the people would make the right choice in the upcoming general election."What have Lim Kit Siang, Karpal Singh and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim achieved compared with Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who has overseen the country's transformation these past few years?

"Can they legitimately say that they have done more for the country than BN leaders who have fulfilled their promises to the people?"I think the people can judge for themselves who are the more credible leaders compared with those who have failed to fulfil their promises after being given the chance to rule a few states for the past five years."

Malaysia's Najib Dissolves Parliament, Paving Way for Elections

KUALA LUMPUR—Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said he would dissolve Parliament, setting up an election that analysts say will be the closest in Malaysia's history.

The country's 13th general election pits Mr. Najib's United Malays National Organization—the core of the National Front coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence from Britain in 1957—against charismatic opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, who says he is making his last bid for the premiership.

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak, here last month, announced Wednesday that he would dissolve Parliament, paving the way for elections within weeks.

In a live television broadcast Wednesday, Mr. Najib said the country's king has accepted his request to dissolve Parliament.

The date of the elections will be set later by the country's Election Commission, but is widely expected to come within a few weeks and will test whether UMNO's traditional political planks of race, religion and economic stewardship can overcome the opposition's pitch for a more open and transparent society in the Muslim-majority Southeast Asian country.

"There is a high degree of uncertainty on the election outcome as large section of youth will be voting for the first time," said Ibrahim Suffian, director at independent pollster Merdeka Center. Voters aged below 30 make up a quarter of the country's 13 million-strong electorate.

Analysts say that though chances of an opposition victory are slim, it may extend its 2008 electoral gains when it wrested 82 of 222 seats in Parliament, leaving the ruling front short of a two-thirds majority for the first time and won five of Malaysia's 13 states. Since the 2008 ballot, the opposition has edged up to 86 seats in Parliament through a series of special elections but lost control of one state.

Ceding more seats to the opposition could limit Mr. Najib's ambitions to liberalize the country's economy and propel it onto a faster growth path. A weaker mandate might spur a leadership challenge to Mr. Najib from within UMNO, analysts say, and hinder his efforts to push through unpopular reforms such as proposals to reduce costly subsidies on food and cooking fuel.

The opposition—consisting of the Islamic fundamentalist Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party, or PAS, Anwar's moderate People's Justice Party, and the Democratic Action Party that draws most of its support from the ethnic Chinese minority—has steadily gained support in the urban areas. Its pledges to unwind a decades-old race-based affirmative action policy designed to give a leg up to the majority ethnic-Malay population and reduce corruption have a strong appeal among mostly younger voters, analysts say.

In a February survey conducted by Merdeka Center, 46% of respondents said the government must tackle corruption. In the past, ministers have come under graft charges. The top corruption cases include continuing ones involving two former transport ministers, Chan Kong Choy and Ling Liong Sik, who were charged with cheating following cost overruns at a free-trade zone development, and Khir Toyo, the former chief minister of Selangor State. All three deny any wrongdoing.

The 64-year-old Mr. Anwar has said he would retire from politics if his opposition alliance fails to form the next government.

Since Mr. Najib came to power in 2009, he has made efforts to make governance more transparent.

Government contracts are now available online and companies that bid for projects are asked to sign integrity pacts. A Whistleblower Protection Act was passed in 2010 with cash incentives offered to civil servants for reporting corruptions that could lead to prosecution.

Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolves parliament for election

Najib Razak is Malaysia's sixth prime minister

Razak asked the king to dissolve parliament

Ruling coalition has ruled for 59 years

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has dissolved parliament in readiness for a general election

MALAYSIAN Prime Minister Najib Razak dissolved parliament today in preparation for general elections seen as the toughest challenge yet for the ruling coalition after 56 years in power.

"This morning I met the king and asked for his consent to dissolve the parliament,''  Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak said.

"This dissolution will pave the way for the 13th general election.''

Winning GE13 is Job No. 1, Umno men say after Dr M’s putsch warning

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 ― Winning Election 2013 takes precedence over party intrigues, several Umno leaders said today as they sought to play down veteran Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s warning to Datuk Seri Najib Razak that the prime minister may lose his post if the ruling coalition cedes more seats in the next polls.

Seasoned Umno lawmakers contacted by The Malaysian Insider appeared upset that the country’s fourth and longest-serving prime minister had chosen to publicly remind Najib about what he stood to lose with the 13th general election just weeks away, but did not deny that party warlords may push for the sixth PM to be ousted should the Barisan Nasional (BN) suffer further setbacks.

“No one should not talk about things like that, [not] even Tun. Such statements will do more harm than good. I disagree with him. We should be focusing on winning now,” said Umno supreme council member Dr Mohd Khir Toyo.

“What Tun raised is, of course, important, but we can wait for the results of the elections first. We can talk about that later,” the former Selangor mentri besar said.

Dr Mahathir was yesterday reported by international news agency AFP as suggesting that Najib may be unseated by unhappy Umno warlords if he fails to improve on BN’s performance during Election 2008, which had also helped unite the disparate opposition parties into a cohesive political force.

Dr Mahathir also told the news wire that he was worried about a possible regime change, suggesting there would be chaos and religious strife if the BN lost Putrajaya.

“Of course, if he (Najib) does not perform, there will be some necessity to switch horses.

“There could be a lot of disappointment and maybe a move to challenge him. That is normal,” the ex-prime minister who was in office for 22 years was quoted saying.

Pulai MP Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, also said Dr Mahathir should not have aired Umno’s dirty laundry with the election just weeks away.

But the son of one of Dr Mahathir’s staunchest supporters, the late Datuk Mohamed Rahmat, suggested the 87-year-old was only seeking to protect his legacy by campaigning for a BN win.

“Tun shouldn’t be talking about something negative at this point… I suppose he wants his legacy to continue by making sure BN wins.

“We can win actually (but) we need continuity to ensure BN can continue with its transformation and rejuvenation of its ministers and mentris besar,” Nur Jazlan told The Malaysian Insider.

Dr Mahathir was credited as the political force behind successor Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s premature retirement from office in April 2009 ― despite winning the 12th general elections albeit with the loss of its parliamentary supermajority ― and paving the way for Najib’s rise to the top.

Previously, Dr Mahathir had repeatedly warned the country’s majority Malays that a weak government like Najib’s would give rise to non-Malay dominance, alluding to the liberal policies pushed by Najib and reading them as signs of growing non-Malay encroachment into Malay rights.

But the former prime minister had also called on voters to give Najib a chance, saying restoring BN’s parliamentary supermajority would help the Umno-led federal government consolidate the Malays’ position in the country.

But for some Umno members, Dr Mahathir’s statements could undo Najib’s vigorous push to maintain the party’s Malay powerbase and court the critical young ― seen to be the new kingmakers, according to the results of several surveys conducted in the past few months in the run-up to Election 2013.

“I am not saying he is wrong. I respect him. He is my former boss. But I believe we should be focusing on winning now. I would prefer to stick with positive things for now. Let’s support Najib,” said Padang Besar MP Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid, a former Umno supreme council member and an ex-minister.

Some political analysts have forecasted that BN will retain federal power at the polls that must be called by end-April when the current BN mandate expires, but have said that any win will be slim and unlikely to give it the customary two-thirds majority it enjoyed before Election 2008.

Other pundits, however, believe an opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) win at the polls may be possible, ushering a new regime into power for the first time since Independence in 1957.

Unity among BN members at its peak

BARISAN Nasional is all geared up to defend the Gerik parliamentary seat and Pengkalan Hulu and Temengor state seats in the 13th general election.

With Gerakan returning the Grik seat to Umno, the BN election machinery, particularly from Umno, is up and running and working hard to ensure victory for the BN candidate from Umno.

Gerik Umno division acting chief Datuk Hasbullah Osman is confident BN will retain all the seats as in previous general elections.

Hasbullah said his confidence stemmed from the fact that voters in the Gerik parliamentary constituency had thrown their full support behind BN despite the Gerik seat — traditionally an Umno seat — was given to Gerakan to contest in the 2008 general election.

He said such strong support had allowed Datuk Tan Lian Hoe to win the Gerik seat with a majority of 5,573 votes, the highest among BN members of parliament in Perak.

“For Pengkalan Hulu, incumbent Tan Sri Tajol Rosli Ghazali has left an outstanding track record in the state constituency, besides excellent services provided by BN teams.

“Therefore, even though a new face will be fielded in Pengkalan Hulu this time, I feel strongly that BN will retain the state seat,” said Hasbullah, who had been contesting the Temengor state seat since the 2004 general election.

He said BN was well prepared to counter any national or local issues or accusations brought up by the opposition during campaigning.He stressed that BN had never underestimated the opposition’s strength as it had always provided a stiff fight to BN.“We had the experience of becoming the opposition in Perak for 11 months. We don’t want that.”

He said unity among BN and Umno members was at its peak as grassroots members had learned from the bitter experience after the last polls.

PM: We can’t be too individualistic

UNITED WE STAND: We must have consideration for others, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: EXTREME individualism will not be healthy for the nation’s wellbeing and development.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said yesterday that the country could not afford to have a society that’s too individualistic.

“Being individualistic will lead to one doing whatever one wants without considering others and this can lead to an extreme situation,” he told the crowd of 20,000 who had gathered for the “Jom Ceria Bersama PM” programme at Dataran Putrajaya.

The prime minister said the nation wanted those who could work together towards nation-building and strengthening the people’s unity.“By doing so, I believe the country will achieve more success.”

Najib added that he subscribed to the saying: “A country which plays together stays together.”

He said through various means, including organising sporting events, the people could tear down the walls that kept them apart, adding that unity among the diversified society would then be stronger.

To stay healthy, Najib also called on Malaysians, especially generation Y, to alter their sedentary lifestyle and become physically active.

He made the call as he was worried about seeing more and more Malaysians suffering from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.“The long hours spent in front of computer screens and sitting down while engaging with their smartphones and tablets will make them vulnerable to such illnesses as well as obesity.“My doctor tells me that many of us are suffering from hypertension,” he said, before joining thousands for a 5km walk under the programme.

Present were the prime minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Sports and Youth Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

Najib urged Malaysians, especially the younger generation, to improve their lifestyle through activities such as the “Jom Ceria” programme and other exercise activities.Rosmah later flagged off the thousands of participants.The event was organised by the 1Malaysia People’s Foundation and Putrajaya Corporation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak being greeted by the people at the ‘Jom Ceria Bersama PM’ programme at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday