KUALA LUMPUR: The “political haze” in the country is temporary and will blow away on its own in due course, says Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
The Prime Minister said such conditions were normal for a multi-racial country with democratic principles.
“There are times when everything is calm and instances when there is turbulence.
“It is natural to have a difference of opinions but the important thing is how to harmonise our differences within Barisan Nasional.
“Imagine having 13 siblings in the family, it is not easy to manage all of them,” he said when opening the MCA 62nd annual general assembly in Wisma MCA here yesterday.
Najib said Barisan would take steps to address and reduce the “moments of disunity” by falling back on its core principles of moderation and consensus.
“We must remain steadfast and defend the social contract which has been translated into the Constitution.
“It was the wisdom of our forefathers to go for integration instead of assimilation.
“My father was part of the pact which believed the best way forward must be built on trust and good working relationship among all communities,” he said, allaying concerns over calls for vernacular schools to be abolished.
“It is not the policy of the Government to implement single-stream education as Barisan adopts a policy of multi-culturalism, multi-linguism, multi-ethnicism and multi-religionism.
“This is not decided by me but our forefathers. And because of this, we are a source of envy among other countries,” he said.
Najib said the coalition also rejected in total all forms of extremism.
He said, however, peaceful demonstrations would be allowed.
“But don’t bring banners stoking racial sentiments, utter seditious remarks or offend the feelings of others.
“I would like to praise MCA for being quick to condemn those who shamed the country’s leaders by stepping on their posters,” he said.
Najib said MCA, under the leadership of party president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, had shown a clear direction to help regain public support.
“All major ethnic groups must work closely as no one single community can do it alone.
“Together, I am confident we can achieve greater things for the people and country.
“Barisan may not be perfect but is far better than the opposition,” he said, citing Singapore’s PAP which increased its popular vote as the ruling party had listened to and was responsive to the needs of the people.
Najib said the Government could not please everybody and that there should be an attitude of “give and take”.
He also vouched that MCA was not a silent partner in the coalition and that its “courteous” approach in voicing the concerns of the Chinese community was much respected.
“I am very open. If you want more seats in the Government, then increase support for Barisan.
“We can even consider approving the Kojadi cooperative bank, but if we give so many things without getting the support, susahlah saya (its hard for me).
“If you believe in Barisan, I would do more for the Chinese community,” he said, adding that strong support in MCA as a mainstream partner was crucial to bring political, economy and social developments in the country.
Quotes from PM
SINGLE-STREAM EDUCATION
“It is not the policy of the Government to implement single-stream education as Barisan adopts a policy of multi-culturalism, multi-linguism, multi-ethnicism and multi-religionism.”
SUPPORT FOR SMEs
“I have given him (Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong) RM50mil for this year. He has spent half of it and is asking for more through his president.”
TRANSFORMATION POLICIES
“I believe we have a clear road map ahead for Malaysia. On the other hand, the Opposition path is very hazy.”
PARTY UNITY
“There cannot be infighting in MCA or any other political party if you want to be strong. You can go through some moments of internal resetting but you cannot have a contest at the highest level all the time.”
NEXT GENERAL ELECTION
“The general election can be held at any time. Maximum is another three years. We must focus on winning and doing even better.”
MOVING FORWARD
“Talk is that MCA is a seven eleven party. I know this is a joke. It hurts me when I hear that. Let us rise back up strongly and together we can do it.”
PUBLIC SUPPORT
“Just because you are the Government doesn’t mean the people will reject you. What they want is a government that listens to the people and is responsive to their needs.”
GOVERNING THE COUNTRY
“You can have differences at the state-level but you cannot have differences at the Federal-level. That will be disastrous for the country.”
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