GE13: Thousands at mammoth dinner to show support for Najib
(The Star) – KLANG: Over 60,000 people thronged Westport here for a gathering to show their support for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Barisan Nasional.
Najib told the crowd that there was no need to change the time-tested Barisan Nasional government which has persevered to bring about peace and harmony despite immense challenges both domestic and foreign.
He said the country under the Barisan government had faced numerous challenges in the past such as fighting communism and dealing with the Confrontation, but has prevailed in overcoming them and in the process, ensuring peace, harmony and stability.
“Last month, we faced the terrorists who landed in Lahad Datu and we fought them to ensure peace returned to Sabah.
“This is the kind of government we want, the government that is willing and able to ensure peace and harmony in the country,” he said in his speech.
Najib questioned the motive of certain quarters who insist on bringing about change to the country when the current government was able to bring real change politically, economically and socially.
He said there were “certain politicians talking about change,” but he asked, “what is there to change.” “You want to change peace and harmony in the country with conflict and violence? Is that what you want?,” he asked.
Najib told the mainly Chinese crowd that the government had done much especially in the field of education.
Besides allowing the building of SM Chong Hwa in Kuantan, he said, the government has relocated 71 Chinese schools to new sites.
The government would also continue to allocate RM100 million yearly for Chinese schools.
“The government is currently discussing with Chinese academic organisation, Dong Zong, on the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC),” he said.
Najib said with the various changes being implemented by the government, it was now up to the rakyat to make their choice of leaders they trust to lead the country in the May 5 elections.
Although the event only started at 8pm, the crowd had made its way to the venue as early as 5pm.
The fine weather allowed thousands of youths, clad in the blue Barisan Nasional T-shirts, to form kilometres-long motorcade with their motorcycles to welcome Najib.
About 5,000 tables were set up by the event’s organiser, Gabungan Persatuan Keturunan Cina Selangor, to serve dinner to the guests who came from all over Selangor.
While waiting for the arrival of Najib, video clips of patriotic songs were shown on five giant screens.
