Malaysia owes development to ‘promises fulfilled’, says Najib

Najib proclaims “Merdeka” seven times as a symbolic nod to the upcoming independence celebrations. — Picture by Choo Choy May

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said that the development now enjoyed by Malaysia is due to the Barisan Nasional (BN) government fulfilling its promises to Malaysians.

Najib said the BN government was also behind the country’s transformation from an agriculture-based economy to an industrial-based one with the aim of progressing towards a high-income, developed status.

“We are developed and successful because the government has kept its promises to the rakyat throughout its 55 years of rule.

“We promised a united country. We guaranteed transformation from agriculture to a country of industry, and now that of a developed high-income country,” said Najib in a speech at the launch of the “Kibar Jalur Gemilang” event in conjunction with Merdeka Day celebrations.

Despite the opposition’s claims that this year’s Merdeka theme smacked of political motives, Najib said the “Fulfilled Promises” theme was chosen as the BN government he helms had succeeded in delivering all its promises to Malaysians.

BN had also used the same slogan in its nationwide Fulfilled Promises Tour by focusing on the contributions and assistance extended to Malaysians.

“We made many promises to the rakyat, BR1M, Menu Rakyat 1 Malaysia, including the already-launched 1 Malaysia Textiles Store, and more,” he said as he officiated the programme held in conjunction with August 31 independence celebrations in Little India in Brickfields, an Indian-majority area.

Besides Brickfields, the programme will also be held at two locations important to the other two major races, namely Malay stronghold Kampung Baru and China Town on Jalan Petaling, a predominantly Chinese area.

“Under the 1 Malaysia banner, we need a single platform for all races. We have proved this, including for the Indian community. We have shown that most of the Indian community’s problems have been addressed.

“We will continue this fight, and what we find important for Indians and other races will be upheld by the government, “ said the prime minister.

On ending his speech, Najib loudly proclaimed “Merdeka” seven times as a symbolic nod to the upcoming independence celebrations.