Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has defended the appointment of Gerakan president Koh Tsu Koon as a minister in the PM's Department overseeing the government’s Key Performance Index (KPI).

Speaking at officiation of the Gerakan national delegates conference in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Najib said he appointed Koh as a minister because he valued the role played by Gerakan.

gerakan ndc 011109 koh tsu koon najib “I want Gerakan members to have a voice in the government (and) I appointed Koh because he is party to the recovery process for Gerakan,” he said.

“Don’t question this. This is my right as the PM,” he added, to the roar of applause from the floor.

“I have to make decision in the interest of Barisan Nasional. I am not just Umno president. I am the chair of BN. I am not just a PM for the Malays. I am a PM for all Malaysians,” he said.

Najib was reacting to Gerakan’s uproar over Sri Gading MP Mohamad Aziz’s criticism against Koh.

While debating the Supply Bill 2010 on Thursday, Mohamad had suggested that Koh and MCA president Ong Tee Keat resign as ministers and step down as leaders of their respective parties.

Najib shows funny side

In his speech, Najib tried to motivate Gerakan delegates and urged them not to give up despite the crushing defeats suffered during the general elections last year.

gerakan ndc 011109 crowd “But (for some), they face one political tsunami and they are like ‘argh’ (makes whimpering sound to simulate dying),” said Najib, while drawing laughter from the floor.

“Are you so weak? You cannot fight? Of course not! Do you have that ‘thing’ or not? (Crowd laughs).

"Lim Keng Yaik has it. He used to say it. But at his old age, he is a little bit more subdued,” said Najib in jest, who held up his hand in a cupping gesture while looking at the Gerakan leaders on the stage.

“At this point of time, you must have that thing (crowd giggles). That thing is conviction (more laughter). You must be thinking of something else,” he added.

He said when all was back in order, BN can again triumph in the polls as shown during the recent Bagan Pinang by-election, which he described as the “perfect storm” for the opposition Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

Dig at Pakatan

Training his sights on the Pakatan, Najib said the coalition was plagued with problems, such as the case of Sabah PKR, and their state governments failing to include all three parties such as in Kedah and Penang.

“They said they want a two-party system, but they don’t even know how to create a shadow cabinet. Who is their finance minister? Who is their defense minister?” he asked.

gerakan ndc 011109 najib Meanwhile, Najib urged all BN component parties to resolve their internal problems as quickly as possible in order for BN to concentrate on changing with times.

“What are you waiting for? Strengthen BN!” urged Najib, adding that the coalition parties must contribute and not wait for the PM alone to act.

Admitting that the defeats suffered last year was a result of BN’s failure to listen to grassroots, Najib said the coalition was committed to change for the better.

“Believe me when I say that we are on the right track. We are on the right path. Our principle is clear. The voices of the people is paramount. We hear their voices and they have our commitment.”

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