BN government not in popularity contest, says Najib

(Bernama) – The government would not be able to maintain sustainable economic growth if it practised populist policies, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the failure to provide economic growth in the endeavour to gain public support and popularity would make it impossible for the government to channel all assistance continuously.

“It’s easy to make promises, but what is more challenging is to ensure that the benefits given to the people do not affect the economy.

“On the contrary, it should ensure that the economy continues to grow while providing long-term benefits to the people. This is the administrative philosophy of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government,” he said.

He was addressing the audience at the breaking of fast with the people of Selangor at the Al-Mustaqim Mosque grounds, Taman Nirwana, here this evening.

Also present was the Prime Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Najib said without practising populist policies, the BN government could draw up programmes that promoted sustainable and healthy economic growth.

By creating resources and increasing national wealth, numerous contributions could continue to be given to the people, including the 1 Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M).

“If we just give, how long can we last? Certainly, it won’t be long.

“If we spend without thinking about the resources to increase revenue, even the mountain can be flattened,” he said.

In relation to the water issue in Selangor, Najib criticised the state government for not being able to resolve the water problem in Selangor.

“Problems such as this one, the BN government can resolve. The time will come when the people of Selangor will be able to choose a government that can resolve the water issue and the garbage collection problem, as well as bring prosperity to the state,” he said.

At the function, Najib handed a cheque of RM2 million for the development of the Al-Mustaqim Mosque to the chairman of the mosque building committee, Datuk Abdul Wahab Adam.

The prime minister also presented a cheque of RM1.45 million for the mosques and suraus throughout Selangor to the state BN coordinator, Datuk Seri Mohd Zin Mohamed.

One hundred single mothers and the handicapped received a contribution of RM100 each.

The prime minister and his wife later joined the approximately 3,500 people present to break fast before performing Magrib prayer with the congregation at the Surau Al-Islamiyah, Taman Nirwana.

They later proceeded to the Surau Taman Seri Angsana Hilir, Pandan for Isyak and Tarawih prayers.