SANDAKAN: Nation-building will happen only if leaders do not jump from one party to another, said the Barisan Nasional (BN) treasurer-general.
"Before a nation is built, the most important thing is to have leaders. When we win under Barisan Nasional, do not jump. Only then can the nation be built," Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani told a BN forum here today (July 21).
"If you agree, in the next election make sure those who jump are not chosen as leaders altogether."
He said leaders with integrity and who are sincere in their struggle would not jump to another group regardless of the situation in their parties.
He urged BN members to emulate parties in Sarawak, which do not have a "crossing-over culture".
Johari was a panellist in the forum, "BN membina Negara Bangsa", which was held during the Sabah BN convention at SJKC Tiong Hua here.
He added that it is important for BN to continuously produce great leaders in Sabah.
"To carry out development, we must change our political culture. I think we will have a future in Sabah greater than any state in the world.
"When we gained independence in 1957 our economy's size was only RM170 million.
"After 60 years, an economy we called tapioca has grown to RM1.6 trillion.
"If we want to have political stability in this country, all communities must work together.
"If you believe in me, if the people accept BN, we will ensure that Sabah surpasses other states in the world."