Caretaker prime minister Najib Abdul Razak today cautioned the Chinese community against falling for the DAP ruse of a so-called "Malay tsunami" swing of Malay votes to the opposition in the 14th general election.

"I can assure you there will be no Malay tsunami against the government. That strategy, if it works, will only be detrimental to the Chinese community. This is because we need a strong Chinese representation in the government for the Chinese community.

"The DAP strategy (to win the election) is based on (sowing) hatred with an underlying hypothesis that there will be a Malay tsunami during the election," Najib said at the launch of the Kuen Cheng High School campus redevelopment on Jalan Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur.

Elaborating, Najib said the Chinese community currently constituted 23 percent of the population but had only had six percent of the MPs in the government, which was not sustainable in the long run and would work against the community. 

"MCA and Gerakan have been working tirelessly to support the Chinese community, together with all the others. I can assure you, I always get requests from (MCA president) Liow Tiong Lai and (Gerakan president) Mah Siew Keong on how we can do more for the community," he said.

Najib said the government had been constantly solving issues related to the community and had approved the setting up of 10 new Chinese primary schools, three of which have been launched in Johor recently.

"When Chinese schools face a shortage of teachers, we solve it. Many other things … for mutual recognition of university degrees, the government approved the setting up of the Xiamen University, which will be another success story.

'UEC recognition in BN manifesto'

"Another success is the New Era (college) which has become a university college. We have also extended the lease period to 99 years for the Chong Hwa Independent High School and I can confirm that the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) has been included in the Barisan Nasional Manifesto," he said, receiving a thunderous applause from the parents and students at the event.

Najib said the BN government has made countless efforts to deliver transformation to guarantee peace, stability and a harmonious environment, with a predictable and certain future for the people.

"Don't throw this away. This is a wonderful country to live in. Many good things are going on. But the other side (opposition) has embarked on some very irresponsible and negative perceptions. Least of which, they want to review the contracts with China if they get to power. That is a huge mistake because China is our number one trading partner of US$100 billion in total trade," he said.

Najib said China, one of the world’s largest economies, was also a good and reliable friend of Malaysia and such irresponsible claims by the opposition were only seen as silly, very short-sighted and like 'shooting ourselves on the foot'.

"Please do not support and believe in what they (DAP) are saying to get you to support them. If you do, this would only hurt our economy. Since BN launched its manifesto for GE14, we have received positive remarks from international rating agencies, and even World Bank has projected a better growth for the country.

"We are on a steady rapid economic development and growth. The success story of Malaysia will continue, with everyone playing a role… directly or indirectly. All of you are a part of Malaysian story. We have achieved a lot, and if you continue to be with the government, we can reach greater heights," he added.

Najib said the stock market was merely at 800 points when he took the office in 2009, and it touched the highest points of 1,870 last Thursday, making it the highest ever in Malaysian history.

"In nine years being a prime minister, the government has doubled the (people’s) wealth through the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange, we have created 2.26 million jobs, ensured a steady economic growth and avoided two recessions when oil prices went down two years ago," he said.

He attributed this consistent growth to prudent stewardship of the government that practised pragmatic and inclusive policies, focusing on long-term benefits for the people.

Kuen Cheng High School Campus redevelopment was completed with a total cost of RM100 million.

- Bernama