Prime Minister Najib Razak said today there were signs of a wind of change in Penang, and the BN was confident of recapturing the state in the next general election.

He said that during his visit to the state today, many quarters had expressed their disappointment with the Pakatan-led state government and wanted a change.

"There is an inclination for change. Although it is yet sentiment, we want the sentiment to be translated into support," he told a news conference after attending a lunch with the people in Kampung Permatang Pasir, Balik Pulau.

NONE Najib said that when he went on his walkabout today on his day-long visit to the state, he came across people lamenting that stallholders were facing pressure and had difficulty earning a living, unlike during the time of the BN administration of the state.

The prime minister said the wind of change in favour of the BN was also evident in the several recent by-elections which the coalition won with a bigger majority.

He said prophets of doom in the opposition had claimed that the leadership crises in the Middle East would spread to Malaysia.

"I wish to respond that while the crises is occurring there, the BN has been increasing its majority in the by-elections of late," he added.  

‘Don’t gamble with your future’

Najib said BN leaders should not feel disheartened by the coalition's defeat in Penang in the last general election because it was part and parcel of politics.

"We must pick ourselves up and determine how we can triumph again, and not become too disappointed," he said, adding that to rise again, all BN leaders and members should work together in pursuit of that one objective.

"Let's not have quarrels in the (BN) family. We must keep away conflicts and forge cooperation and do our best. Only then can we rise again," he said.

Najib also hit out at those who claimed that the federal government had marginalised Penang when it had been developing the state all along, including enhancing foreign investment there.

"It is not that we do not want to cooperate (with the state government), but there are quarters which want to play politics, like taking credit for the toil of others," he said.

Najib called on the people of Penang not to gamble with their future, and ensure the return of the BN to helm the state government.

However, later today Najib clarified his assessment on wresting back Penang from Pakatan Rakyat.

"All I said was that sentiments now much better for BN in Penang but must be converted into votes. I did not say BN was going to takeover," he said in a tweet message.

- Bernama