UMNO BREAKS SABAH RACIAL BARRIER

By : SANDRA SOKIAL

KOTA BELUD: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Umno was formed to break the racial barrier in the country, and in Sabah, where it first set foot in Kota Belud. Umno originated from Peninsular Malaysia, but it broke the racial barrier in Sabah, the Prime Minister said.

“Umno and BN became the government, replacing Usno and Berjaya. It also successfully brought together the Usno and Akar members, after the party was dissolved by Pandikar to join Umno,” he said.

“We need to respect one another, as we all come from different backgrounds, but politically, we must stay united under one flag, BN,” he said.

The people, he added, should stay focus to move along with BN, by practising justice as a whole.

“Only BN can shape the nation’s future towards greater heights, and not opposition who only know how to make promises,” he said.

Najib said Malaysia, especially Sabah, is unique with its cultural and racial diversity, and its ability to live together.

“I am impressed with Sabah’s uniqueness. What I am trying to say is that it is alright to have different cultures, for as long as we are united politically.

“We must stay united under Umno and Barisan Nasional so Sabah would remain as BN stronghold,” said the Prime Minister during the Aidilfitri Open House hosted by Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia jointly with the United Sabah Bajau Organisation (Usbo) at the Ostrich Lodge Field in Kampung Rampayan Laut, here. The event was attended by some 25,000 people.

He said the people should take into account national and rational interests, and set aside the ethnicity differences to avoid weakening the existing ties.

Najib, meanwhile, urged the people to uphold the country’s transformation agenda to lead Malaysia towards becoming a developed nation by 2020.

“I would like to advise the people not to be enticed by the opposition’s propaganda and incitement, not to be easily disturbed when ‘tickled’ by those who only know how to give promises, and in the end fail to fulfil them.

“When one or two people leave (BN), it is alright because what is important for us is to realise that we remain loyal to Umno and BN, as these will ensure better future compared to opposition.

“They (opposition) do not have the means and are only good at telling lies, and in fact, the Selangor Menteri Besar (Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim) stated that a manifesto is not an agreement. But BN is different, we always fulfil our promises,” said Najib. (theborneopost)