Muhyiddin: BN's back in business

Buoyed by two convincing by-election victories on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that BN was back in business.

“A year ago, people thought we were shaky. We had some losses and our morale was affected. But now, we must tell the rakyat that BN is back in business and we want to serve the people,” said Muhyiddin ( centre in photo ).

Muhyiddin, delivering his officiating speech of the 2010 Gerakan national delegate’s conference, claimed that the BN had implemented many plans to transform the economy and that the government and the public had to have these policies adequately explained to them.

Citing the Batu Sapi and Galas by-election victories, Muhyiddin said that he was heartened that all BN component party leaders had played their part in explaining government policies to the public.

“They went to the grassroots and met the people to explain our policies. It may be still early, but there are early signs that more are supporting for BN. Congratulations and thanks to all.

“However, we cannot be complacent, with just one or two by-elections (victories),” warned Muhyiddin.

‘Gerakan, put house in order’

Muhyiddin said that while the government is busy implementing various transformation programs, he said BN component parties must also transform to keep up with times.

Among others, he said that parties must jettison “warlords” who hold on to posts for too long.

“We have no problems with communication between parties, but there are problems that are usually intra-party in nature,” said Muhyiddin.

In an apparent reference to many attacks on top Gerakan leaders by the grassroots in recent months, Muhyiddin urged the party to quickly put its house in order.

He said that many parties, particularly Umno, had been attempting to transform itself but noted that some parties were slow in doing so and pointed out there were only two years left before the next general elections.

“A year ago, some people said ‘no hope for Gerakan’. Si liao lo (death is near). But they are still alive. Moreover, based on the president’s speech, I’m convinced that Gerakan has a future,” he said.

The embattled coalition member party had seen several unsuccessful coups against state leaders in Penang and Johor in recent months.

Party president Koh Tsu Khoon has also been the subject of open criticism, most notably by his predecessor Lim Keng Yaik.

Best civil service in the world?

In his speech, Muhyiddin also repeatedly sang praises about Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s various strategies and plans for his administration, such as the New Economic Model and the Economic Transformation Plan.

He added that in addition, there were plans to further improve on the government delivery system and ensure that bureaucracy and inefficiency is weeded out.

He cited the example of how it took only one day in other countries to set up a company while it takes three days here.

“The best civil servants in the world, I would say, is the civil servants in Malaysia. They have done a lot, but the people want better,” he said.

Muhyiddin reassured that Najib was fully aware of the demands made by the public and would act accordingly.

“Because the prime minister is very aware of what is expected by the people from this government. Even though he is in the hospital, he has made instructions for us to tackle the flood issue in Kedah.

“After this, I have to rush there to see it first hand. We have committed ourselves to help them in all ways possible because they are all our people,” he said.