BEAUFORT: A sailboat, which is small and unstable, would not be able to transport you across an ocean.
Instead, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said that the people of Sabah have to choose a “bigger and modern ship” that could cross the big and rough seas without being blown off course.
He used nautical metaphors when addressing more than 10,000 people during a gathering with the people here, with the “sailboat” being a reference to Parti Warisan Sabah’s (Warisan) logo, and the big ship being Barisan Nasional (BN).
“If we want to cross the ocean, we need a modern and bigger ship... a small sailboat can (sail) by the beach. (BN’s) big ship, big party can go from Perlis to Sabah,” he said.
Present were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and BN candidates for the Beaufort Parliamentary seat Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun; the Klias state seat Datuk Isnin Aliasnih; and the Kuala Penyu state seat Datuk Limus Jury.
Najib, who is also BN chairman, said Sabahans have to reject the “eye” symbol (referring to the DAP-led opposition alliance) which will use the PKR logo to contest in the 14th general election (GE14).
“My intention is to continue to develop Sabah. (This is because) the previous leader did not (initiate the) Pan Borneo Highway, which (was proposed) during his era (as prime minister), but was not approved. His era has many highways with toll charges – Pan Borneo has no toll.
“(With me as prime minister, BN) allocated RM12 billion for Sabah (for the Pan Borneo fund) – and we will add more (to the fund), as areas like Keningau also need highways,” he added.
Najib said based on these facts, Sabah folks can assess which party they should choose to govern at the federal and state levels on polling day this Wednesday.
“We need to choose (a party) which will bring benefits. If you choose the opposition, you will only waste your rice, as the party is formed based on personal ambition, not based on us. BN is for the people.
“Do not listen to fake stories of our country going bankrupt, it is not true. (The national debt) is only 50.8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“During the 22 years of his premiership, (Dr Mahathir allowed the national debt to reach 103 per cent) of GDP. Why does he twist (the truth and deny this)?
“Therefore, believe that… the country is well managed by the BN government,” he said.
Najib also lauded the spirit of BN supporters here, who had created a “blue ocean” atmosphere reflecting BN’s confidence of winning 3-0 in the Beaufort, Klias and Kuala Penyu seat contests.
He also announced an allocation of RM15 million for infrastructure development of roads and water supply facilities here.