Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has called Malaysians to give his ruling BN government a clear mandate as he promises to build the country to the best of its ability.
Elections have to be called this year as the parliament term will mandatorily lapse on April 28, paving the way for a keenly contested 13th general election to be called within this year. This will end year-long speculation in 2012 that a snap election would be called.
Najib is the longest serving PM who has not obtained a mandate as he inherited the government from Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who left the post after a poor showing in the March 8, 2008 elections which saw five states - Selangor, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Perak - going to the opposition Pakatan Rakyat.
In his New Year’s message, Najib outlined the achievement of the BN government’s transformation initiative involving the government, economic and political sector.
“The World Bank report, Doing Business 2013, for example, has placed Malaysia as the 12th most business-friendly country in the world while the report of the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2012 has placed Malaysia as the 14th most competitive country in the world,” he said.
In outlining the challenges of 2013, Najib pledged to build on the foundation that he had set through the National Transformation Policy which includes fulfilling the national agenda to strengthen national unity based on the 1Malaysia philosophy of People First, Performance Now.
He also said the government will continue to improve the well-being of Malaysians by ensuring that deserving people who need aid will receive it, and where the welfare and subsidy assistance are properly targeted to those truly in need.
“We have to increase the wealth of the nation by ensuring sustainable economic growth and fiscal health, and stimulate the social movement rooted in hope, where the achievement of an individual is limited only by the imagination, entrepreneurship and the extent of the individual’s willingness to work hard and where the creativity, innovation and willingness to take risks will bring lucrative gains.
“We have to also ensure that Malaysia will be the best place to build a life; the best place to have a family and raise children, a country that has a caring society, a strong family system, neighbourhoods and streets safe from crime, a sustainable environment, quality schools and educational institutions, as well as the best and affordable health care system,” Najib said.
‘Do not gamble on future’
Najib, in pleading to the people not to gamble on their future as it is too precious to be experimented on, had also advised Malaysians to join with him to make the dream into reality.
He warned that destroying a country requires a short time but the consequences and effect will long be felt.
“Today, the responsibility lies on our shoulders, to determine whether Malaysia should continue to move forward or lag behind. Stand by my side for us to together determine success, move along and work with me to carve a great future for our country and our children.
“The government of today and I will not be able to serve you well without your solid backing and support. Give us a clear mandate and we promise to use your trust to the best of our ability to build a Malaysia for all. All along, it has been proven that we have kept all our promises and commitments,” he said.
Najib went on further to say that the country is blessed with opportunities springing from various potentials and reminded that these are a blessing.
He urged Malaysians to shape their destiny into realising Malaysia to its full potential.
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