Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has given assurance that he will never risk the country’s future by making sweet promises without proper plans to develop the country.

He said this was because as the premier, he was carrying the hope of approximately 30 million people in the country who wanted the government to bring the nation to greater heights in the future.

“I will not bring you into a situation where I would risk our country’s future by making sweet promises or giving dedak (animal feed) to the people because I know I have a huge responsibility.”

Najib, who is also Umno president, said this at the People’s Feast and a meet-up session with Kubang Pasu Umno at Dewan Wawasan in Jitra last tonight.

Also present were Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Kubang Pasu Umno chief Mohd Johari Baharum and former menteri besar Osman Aroff.

As a leader, Najib said he had initiated various long-term plans for nation development, such as the Natio nalTransformation 2050 (TN50), while at the same time ensuring that the basic requirements of the people were
given priority.

“We also want to ensure that our daily needs are sufficiently fulfilled, because if it is not, then how can we survive in the future? So, we have to make sure that we have food to eat, comfortable house to live in, education for our children, healthcare service and facilities, employment opportunity, increased income and guaranteed security,” he said.

Najib also rapped former prime minister of 22 years, Dr Mahathir Mohamad (photo), for being inconsistent and unsteadfast in his political journey to the extent of willing to destroy Umno, the sacred party of the Malays, to achieve his personal agenda.

In fact, the prime minister said Mahathir failed to practice what he preached when he continuously criticised new leaders of the country when he was the one who had asked the people to always give their support to new leaders.

“Let me be frank, I became the prime minister and gained the strength because Umno lifted me and BN had my back. If Umno and BN did not lift me and defend me, I will not be as strong,” he said.

On Kubang Pasu parliamentary constituency, Najib said he was confident that BN would be able to retain the seat, which had been its stronghold, together with Jitra and Bukit Kayu Hitam state seats, with a bigger majority in the 14th general election.

Najib, who is also BN chairperson, also gave assurance that the Bukit Kayu Hitam Duty-Free Zone would become a national development agenda for the next five years.

In fact, he said the effort had begun in January this year with the Bukit Kayu Hitam toll abolition.

“Next year, the (Bukit Kayu Hitam border entry) route will be open 24 hours and the 12,000-acre area (duty-free zone) will be the starting point of the north-south development,” he said.

At the event, Najib also announced the allocation of RM5 million for the development of Jitra market and RM400,000 to repair a tennis court, which he described as a proof that the people would continue enjoying
various benefits if BN continues getting the people's mandate to govern the country.

- Bernama