KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The Barisan Nasional (BN) government
should be judged based on its development plans that have and will be
implemented for the well-being of the nation and people, and not through
debates, said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
The Rural and Regional Development Minister said the capability and
credibility of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak as prime minister should be judged
based on his numerous good ideas introduced in driving national development
forward although he has been helming the country for only three years now.
"His ideas are aimed as developing the country such as helping people in the
rural areas improve their lives, and young people and children through the RM200
book vouchers and RM100 schooling aid.
"So, let the people judge us (BN government) not through debates, but
through what we have done," he told reporters after opening the Mara IBS and
Property Exhibition at Menara Mara, here, today.
He was earlier asked whether there was a need for a debate between Najib and
opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim following many requests for a debate
between the two personalities to be held soon.
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SHAFIE-DEBATE 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
Mohd Shafie said he personally rejected the idea as he felt what was more
important was for the people to judge for themselves the transformation taking
place under Najib''s leadership, than through an hour or two of debate.
He said at a time when some developed countries like the United States and
United Kingdom were facing economic problems, Najib had come up with various
transformation programmes which had brought economic change and increasing
revenue to Malaysia.
On former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir''s statement that BN was still weak
to face the general election, hence it should be held after the Aidilfitri
celebration, he said the elder statesman''s view could be considered but the
ultimate decision would be made by Najib as prime minister.
As Umno vice-president, Mohd Shafie urged all party members to work harder
and get closer to the people to win their hearts and minds, by explaining to
them that only the BN government could deliver the goods.
"I know the question (about the general election) is when, whether it is
soon, in September or later, but after we''ve gone through the process including
several by-elections, I believe BN is better prepared this time," he said.
-- BERNAMA
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