The Barisan Nasional government will not go for short-term gains such as harnessing votes in an election at the expense of

the long-term national interest, Najib Abdul Razak said today.

The prime minister said plans based on current considerations, including making all sorts of promises merely to garner votes, can destroy the economy of a country.

He said the government, in seeking the support of the people, will not act irresponsibly by making all kinds of promises like the opposition political parties.

NONE Fulfilling a promise which is beyond implementation may land the country in a situation similar to that faced by several other nations, he said in an apparent reference to some European countries faced with economic problems.

"We do not want to garner support in elections at the expense of the national interest as a whole. We administer the country efficiently, build up our strength, and then shower the people with the dividends," he said at a 1Malaysia gathering at the Simpang Empat hall near Kangar.

The prime minister is on a day-long visit to Perlis.

Also present at the event were Najib's wife Rosmah Mansor, Perlis Menteri Besar Md Isa Sabu and former Perlis menteris besar Shahidan Kassim and Abdul Hamid Pawanteh.

Najib said that for the 2010-2011 period, the national revenue increased by RM26 billion.

Abolishing toll, TPTN loans unrealistic

"We did not raise taxes. In fact, we reduced some taxes. We did not slash aid. Instead, we gave more aid.

"We also retained subsidies. Economic performance improved because of our efficient administration of the country," he said.

The prime minister said the opposition can only make promises, and there's no limit to what they promise.

Elaborating at a news conference later, Najib said that as a responsible government, the BN government cannot sacrifice the long-term interest and that of the future generations purely to garner the people's votes.

"I cited the example of some European countries facing embarrassing economic situations. This can happen in the wink of an eye.

azlan "We have to consider the long-term interest and, at the same time, see what can be done in the short term," he said.

Najib said the opposition's promises, such as wanting to abolish toll, write off National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans and reduce fuel prices, are unrealistic.

"It is unrealistic to abolish toll and write off PTPTN loans ... these loans amount to RM40 billion. In the future, all tertiary students who obtain PTPTN loans will ask for them to be written off as well.

"This is a recipe for economic disaster. One need not be an economist to figure out that this will destroy the economy," he said.

- Bernama