Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said today that it was up to the people to evaluate for themselves the credibility of political parties and whether they want one that has no respect for the law to lead them.

He stressed that the people should make their decision based on the principles the party holds and what it stands for to ensure they get the best in return, according to a Bernama report

"All parties, Umno included, must respect the laws of the nation. This has always been the stand of Umno and the Barisan Nasional.

"As such, it is up to the people themselves to decide (who they should pick to best lead them)," he told reporters after being interviewed about the `Pekan Fest 2007' carnival on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia talk show.

Najib was asked to comment on PKR advisor Anwar Ibrahim insisting on contesting the president's post at the party's election despite the Societies Act prohibiting him from holding any political position, as five years have not lapsed since his release from prison.

However, Anwar pulled out from the race at the PKR congress in Seremban today paving the way for his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to retain the presidency unopposed.

Boycott these traders

On a separate matter, Najib advised the people to boycott traders who raise prices to their whims and fancies, explaining that it was more effective than enforcement.

He said staying away from outlets that have indiscriminately increased prices would have a stinging impact on errant traders when their premises lose out on customers.

The deputy prime minister said that so long the people did not practise smart consumer spending methods, traders would continue to seize the slightest opportunity to jack up prices even with frequent enforcement raids by the authorities.