Shafie: BN needs strong mandate to ensure peace

Shafie said Malaysians could learn a lesson from some developed nations which faced problems in restoring their economic slowdown. – File pic

SEMPORNA, Jan 6 – The Barisan Nasional (BN) needs a strong mandate in the 13th general election to enable the coalition to better run the country.

Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said, a strong government could draw up and carry out sound economic, education and social policies to reap success at international-level.

“I emphasise on the importance of a strong BN government. When the government is strong, it can plan something for the good of the people, particularly in the context of the administration and economy.

“If the economy is strong, it is the people who benefit,” he said.

Shafie, who is also rural and regional development minister, said this after handing over two vans worth RM100,000 each, as personal contribution to the Semporna Education Office.

At the ceremony, he also handed over schoolbags to 600 pupils.

Shafie said Malaysians could learn a lesson from some developed nations which faced problems in restoring their economic slowdown, due to difficulties in obtaining approval through their respective parliaments or congress.

Meanwhile, he denied claims that the Semporna constituency, of which he is member of parliament, had not developed under the BN government.

In reality, he said the district had undergone development in infrastructure, economy and social under the BN government.

“Development in Semporna is progressing smoothly in terms of infrastructure and human capital. In terms of infrastructure, we have identified seven islands to be supplied with solar-powered electricity, last year alone,” he said. – Bernama