‘Najib living in fool’s paradise’

BN-Umno is so desperate that it will resort to whatever means to give the perception that people are now ditching Pakatan, says NGO.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (MIPAS) today said Barisan Nasional’s pompous proclamation that public support is now gravitating towards it is a fallacy.

Association secretary-general S Barathidasan said that Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and his cabinet members are blowing their own trumpets and should seriously do a reality check.

“MIPAS believes Umno is so desperate that it will resort to whatever means give the perception that it has the peoples’ support to win the next general election,” he said.

Barathidasan said that the people no longer accepted and supported the BN and its brand of politics.

“Just because 20,000 people attend the BN’s national level Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2011 open house in Permatang Pauh, it does mean that BN is regaining a foothold in the constituency, which held by Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim,” said Barathidasan.

“Even his claim that BN will wrest Selangor from Pakatan Rakyat after 15,000 people attended the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at I-City Shah Alam is delusional. It is Malaysian culture and tradition to accept and respect invitations to open houses. That does not mean the people support the BN,” he told FMT.

He added that it is a known fact that Umno, with its deep pockets spends millions to shore up the crowds at BN functions.

“Even Permatang Pauh Umno division chief Abdul Jalil Abdul Majid acknowledged this. He admitted that about 70 buses were chartered by the BN to provide free shuttle service for people living in Permatang Pasir, Penanti and Seberang Jaya to attend the event.

“It is not that easy to brainwash the people and huge crowd attended is not an accurate reflection of the sentiments of the people towards the BN,” said Barathidasan.

He added that when Pakatan Rakyat organises such events, people come of their own volition and need no monetary incentives to get them listen to its leaders.

“The people will come willingly and with an open heart. The leaders of Pakatan Rakyat don’t practice the BN’s way.

He added that it has been proven that the Pakatan has done a good job and implemented an excellent administrative system in Penang, Selangor, Kedah and Kelantan.

He also said that the people in those states are happier with the Pakatan government and added that Najib’s is living a fool paradise if he thinks Selangor can captured.

“The people are now very savvy and discerning and I’m sure they will make the right choice to vote for the betterment of their future and national development.”