Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak believes that all farmers in the country have, in one way or another, benefited from the Umno-Barisan Nasional government.

Speaking at the launch of the National Farmers Organisation’s (Nafas) 42nd annual general meeting tonight, Najib pointed out how the establishment of the organisation itself was a result of Umno’s struggles.

“No farmer, be it from any part of the country, can say that they have not received anything from the Umno and Barisan Nasional government,” he said at the event held at the Putra World Trade Centre.

The birth of Nafas was also a source of pride for him, he said, as it was his own father, the country’s second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, who had launched the then union for farmers in 1972.

“The only difference is my father’s outfit. That’s why (deputy minister) Tajuddin Abdul Rahman asked why I did not wear a bush jacket,” he said, in reference to the red batik shirt that he, together with the other farmers at the event, had worn.

The red batik shirt, he said, earlier in his speech, symbolises the spirit of their struggles.

“And the spirit of our struggles cannot be separated from the spirit of Umno’s struggles,” he said.

His remark came in response to Nafas chairperson Saipolbahari Suib who in his speech earlier had expressed hope that the spirit of Umno would continue to burn in the hearts of the farmers.

“I call upon everyone to stand and give the biggest applause to the prime minister,” he told the farmers present today.

Najib then in his speech expressed gratitude for the show of support by the farmers.

“I appreciate the support given by you. The unconditional support although there were seven demands just now,” he quipped.

Saipolbahari had asked, among others, that a RM10 million allocation be given to female and young farmers, a quota of 28 farmers for hajj be given to Nafas annually, and one senator’s post for the farmers’ organisation.

Najib, in response, said he will consider the demands made by Nafas.

“I can’t comment further here. But some consideration will be given in the upcoming budget.

“Let me reserve it in my budget speech on Oct 23,” he said.

The premier, ending his speech, also told farmers present tonight that it was “worth it” that they had invited him to the event.

“As for myself, I get to meet friends as though I am attending an Umno meeting tonight.

“Let’s hope that this spirit will be the basis for us as a source for our struggles,” he said.