Malays and Muslims have no choice but to defend the current federal government as this is the only way the future of the Malay race and the dignity of Islam can be safeguarded, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak says.

"There are those offering an alternative. The question that needs to be asked is: Can they be better than the present administration?

najib at pekida event 051211 audience "Can they guarantee that the special position we enjoy now will not be eroded?" he asked in a speech to Malaysia Islamic Missionary and Welfare Association (Pekida) members in Shah Alam today.

Though Najib did not name the so-called alternative, it was clear that he was referring to Pakatan Rakyat in his jibe that followed.

"Even before they are in power they want to reduce the civil service by half... they want to change the flag, to pollute the sanctity of the Malay Rulers and question the policies that help Malays," he said.

'We have god's blessing'

Najib told the crowd that the present government has always done all can to look after the Malays and uphold Islam.

With a 54-year track record, Najib said, God had allowed BN to stay in power because the coalition had been fair to all.

"We are the only ones who can safeguard what we hold sacred in the constitution, and ensure a brightly shining future... If we lose power, then our (the Malays) fate will be eclipsed."

najib at pekida event 051211 02 Najib stressed that there would be no compromise on the special rights of the Malays as enshrined in the constitution.

"The non-Malays must not cuit (antagonise) the feelings of Malays. Don't change what has already been decided upon and discussed," he said during the 'meet the PM' session.

Najib's speech was greeted by the cheers from the 2,000-plus Pekida members in the hall at Shah Alam Polytechnic, as well as the  10,000 others gathered in the field outside in tents, watching the proceedings through closed circuit television and listening through loud speakers.

The premier's speech echoed his much criticised fiery exhortations at the closing of the five-day Umno general assembly last week.

VIDEO l 32.28 mins

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