PEKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight announced three pieces of ‘good news’ for the people if the Barisan Nasional (BN) government is given a fresh mandate in the 14th General Election.
In a 30-minute speech, delivered at 10pm amid a backdrop of the humble, two-room wooden house in Pekan built by his father, the late Tun Abdul Razak, Najib addressed a 4,000-strong crowd, some of whom had gathered as early as 7pm.
To a roar of approval from the crowd, the prime minister announced that if BN is given a new mandate, youths aged 26 and below would be fully exempted from paying income tax.
“I understand that the youths need money for their expenses such as buying a car, paying their house rent as well as to give money to their parents. As a government that cares, this marks the first time that this is being done,” he said.
Najib said the income tax exemption, he said, would apply to the 2017 assessment year. Those who had paid their taxes last year, he added, would receive a full reimbursement.
As for the second piece of good news, Najib announced that a special two-day public holiday would be declared if BN wins the election.
The holidays, he said, would fall on May 14 and 15, which are a Monday and Tuesday. For states whose weekends fall on a Friday and Saturday, the special public holidays would fall on a Sunday and Monday.
“This would give time for Malaysians to spend time with their families as well as make their Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations,” he said.
His third piece of good news, which drew loud cheers, was on the exemption of toll charges for five days of the Hari Raya holidays.
Najib said all highways would be toll-free two days before Aidilfitri to enable the people to return to their hometowns, as well as on the first three days of Aidilfitri.
Najib said these pledges, as well as those made in the BN election manifesto, were proof that the opposition’s claims that Malaysia was a failed or bankrupt nation is untrue.
“A bankrupt or failed nation as claimed by the opposition cannot promise all this. We do not need saving, we are a successful nation,” he said.
He also recorded his appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, other BN leaders and members at all levels for their dedication to BN’s struggle. He said in the months leading up to the election, he went down to the ground to meet the people and understand their needs and wants.
“This gave me the opportunity to meet the people. All the hands I clasped, each face I saw, all these moments hold a special place in my heart,” he said.
Najib said that apart from being a leader and prime minister, he is also only human.
I have feelings and emotions. I’ve been insulted, ridiculed, slandered but I see it as God’s test and what I have to endure. But when I see the faces of the people I’ve met, who told me to not give up, these wounds and scars disappear.
“It is these moments also which strengthened my resolve to continue and fight,” he said.
GE14, said Najib, will determine Malaysia’s future. He expressed hope that the people will vote based on careful consideration and
“I, Najib Razak, on behalf of BN candidates, humbly ask for voters to without a doubt in their hearts, choose BN, a party which is proven and always keeps its promises.
“For 60 years, we have led this country and effected change after change. If given a new mandate, we will make Malaysia even greater,” he said.
REPORT BY NAJMUDDIN NAJIB, HIDIR REDUAN AND TN ALAGESH