KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 ― Datuk Seri Najib Razak called today for any transition of power after Election 2013 to be done peacefully, after Parliament was dissolved today.
“If there is a transition of power, whether at the federal or the state level, it has to be done peacefully,” said Najib (picture) during a live television broadcast today.
“This is our commitment in respecting the people’s voices and the nation’s interest,” added the prime minister.
Analysts have said that the outcome of the 13th general election, which is expected to be the most keenly contested in recent times, was in doubt for the first time in the country’s history.
Barisan Nasional (BN) lost its customary two-thirds parliamentary majority in Election 2008, ceding five states — Perak, Penang, Kedah, Selangor and Kelantan — to the loose opposition pact of PKR, DAP and PAS.
The Malaysian Insider understands that the 13th general election may be held as soon as April 20 or a week later on April 27, depending on the Election Commission’s (EC) arrangements.
Najib also warned Malaysians today against questioning the integrity of the electoral process in Election 2013.
The prime minister pointed out that other countries suffered instability when the results of their elections were doubted.
“There are certain political parties that sow suspicion and doubts about the integrity of the coming election,” said Najib.
“Insaflah (Repent) and learn from what happened in other countries. The results of the elections in such countries were not accepted. The governments that were elected were rejected. The countries became unstable. National harmony was affected and the people suffered,” added the BN chairman.
Najib called on both BN and the opposition to make a commitment to respect the people’s decision in the 13th general election.
“Let’s pray together that this election will be run smoothly, peacefully and safely,” he said.
Najib also urged voters to back BN, saying that the ruling coalition would use a strong parliamentary majority to develop the nation.
“Do not gamble away the future of the young. Your votes will determine not only the direction of the country, but also the fate of your grandchildren,” he said.
“In this election, you are not only responsible for selecting your representatives in Parliament and in the state assembly, but also for choosing a government that will fulfil your aspirations,” added Najib.
Najib said that Malaysians could see for themselves the country’s transformation under his administration for the past four years.
“The government that we have today is a responsible government, one that upholds your interests and the nation’s interests,” he said.
Najib was appointed as Malaysia’s sixth prime minister exactly four years ago on April 3, 2009.
He announced last month his government’s achievements in the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and the Government Transformation Programme (GTP).
Najib said last month that Malaysia’s Gross National Income (GNI) had grown 49 per cent or US$6,670 (RM20,677) to US$9,970 between 2009 and 2011.
According to the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu), Malaysia is expected to reach a GNI per capita of US$15,000 (RM 46,840) by 2018, two years before its target of 2020.
Besides the target GNI per capita, Malaysia also needs to create 3.3 million jobs and secure US$444 billion (RM1.3 trillion) in investments by 2020 in order to become a high-income nation.
Analysts have pointed out that the transformation initiatives under ETP and GTP contributed to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 6.4 per cent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of last year.
Najib also assured Malaysians in Sabah’s east coast today of their safety when casting their votes.
“The Malaysian security forces will carry out their responsibilities in ensuring the safety of the areas,” he said.
Najib formed the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) after the Sulu incursion in Sabah last February, which covers 10 districts: Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau
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