KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 11 – The strong and steadfast leadership of UMNO president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the party is the key to the government’s strength. MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said said the continued strong support of party members for the prime minister would help the government spur national development, especially to achieve developed nation status within five years.
“The leadership of the prime minister in UMNO remains strong and continues to gain support. That is very important for the national administration,” he told reporters after attending the opening ceremony of the UMNO General Assembly 2015 at the Putra World Trade Centre, here, today.
“Najib had been using the assembly attended by 2,654 delegates from 191 UMNO divisions to explain various matters including 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB). He himself has boldly and openly explained each issue, thus proving that the allegations about the assembly are unfounded,” Dr Subramaniam, who is also health minister said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai described Najib’s policy speech as sound and concise, thus proving that he was a leader who strived for unity in the party. He said all UMNO members must work together to help the president ensure the success of the national development agenda.
Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said this year’s policy speech had not only enkindled the delegates’ spirit, but also BN component parties to continue championing the plight of the people. Pairin, who is also Sabah deputy chief minister, believed that UMNO’s internal scenario could be resolved quickly.
He said they support the prime minister because we are BN component parties. However, he added that they are not in favour of anyone because this (crisis) should be resolved by the people involved. Echoing the same view was Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) president Tan Sri Joseph Kurup who said the UMNO president’s speech covered the interests of all BN component parties and not only of UMNO members.
He said the speech was not only an encouragement for to UMNO, but it is for everyone in BN. Kurup, who is also minister in the prime minister’s department, said all the component parties should join hands and work together as a team to face the 14th general election.
“All UMNO members needed to be loyal to the party as mentioned by Najib in his speech, to achieve success in the future. If we are united, we will be strong, if we split we will be weak, and we have to win the next general election,” MyPPP president Tan Sri M. Kayveas said.
Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) president Datuk S. Nallakaruppan also described Najib’s speech as bold and would unite the Malays, including the leaders of the party. He also hoped that Malaysians would give him (Najib) a chance to lead the country for a much longer period. He also added that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was prime minister for 22 years. Meanwhile, he said Najib has been holding the post for only some years, give him another 10 years, to see whether can he do it or not.
