Opposition’s recipe ‘will lead to economic disaster’

Pakatan’s outrageous promises will cause economic ruin, warns PM

(New Straits Times) – THE promises made by the opposition, in their desperate bid to win over voters, including grandiose plans like abolishing toll and writing off RM40 billion in National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans if they came into power, is nothing but a recipe for economic disaster.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said such promises and other similar ones, contained in the opposition’s policy statement known as “Buku Jingga” (Orange Book), were not realistic and could lead to economic collapse.

Najib said as a responsible government, Barisan Nasional would never make empty promises which would jeopardise the long term interest of the country.

“I admit we are not perfect but at least we are a consistent government. We will never resort to trying to make short-term gains just to win votes.

“We will not ruin the country’s future just to win support during elections. Our approach has always been to have detailed planning and long term strategies for the benefit of the country and this has proven to be successful,” said Najib when addressing about 15,000 people at a meet-the people function in Simpang Empat, near here yesterday.

Najib reminded the people of how the government managed to increase revenue by RM26 billion over a period of just a year from 2010 without raising taxes, cutting aid to the people or getting rid of subsidies.

He said this was achieved through efficient administration and it was because of this, the government believed Malaysia would achieve its goal of becoming a truly developed country by 2020.

Najib said the opposition had been making promises with no limitation but the people should be wise and not allow themselves to be fooled.

He had the crowd in stitches when he used basic logic to get his point across and got a loud round of applause when he explained the issues in layman’s terms.

Citing rising fuel prices around the world and the PTPTN issues as examples, Najib said: “The fuel price has been going up in the whole world but they (the opposition) are promising they would bring it down.

“Now they say they will write off RM40 billion of the PTPTN loans. It just does not make sense… is this what a responsible government would do… have they thought of the long-term effects on the future generations?”

Najib said the people should be wary of such promises by the opposition whom he labelled as experts in spinning everything.

He reminded the people how opposition leaders had protested when the government announced plans to construct the Penang Bridge.

“Now the very same people who have won in Penang are gleefully waiting for the second bridge to be ready.

“I am sure people also remember the opposition’s announcement to auction off Putrajaya not so long ago… now the very same people are saying that they want to conquer it,” said Najib, adding that the opposition had also condemned other infrastructure projects like the North-South Expressway.

Najib said people should realise what the opposition were up to and urged them to stick to a consistent performer like the BN.

Later, speaking to reporters, Najib expressed his confidence that BN would retain Perlis in the next general election.

This, he said, was based on strong support from the people in Perlis towards BN and the close relationship of Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Md Isa Sabu with his predecessors Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and Tan Sri Dr Abdul Hamid Pawanteh.

“With the current political climate and overwhelming support by the people towards the government, there is no reason why we (BN) would not be able to retain Perlis.

“During my visit to the ‘Nat’ (day market) at Behor Lateh just now, the people greeted me and shook my hands thanking the government for taking care of their welfare.”

Najib also announced that the government would provide a RM4 million allocation to combat infestation which has plagued the local padi industry especially the “weedy rice” (padi angin), resulting in almost RM150 million in losses per year nationwide.

Earlier in the morning, Najib who is on a one-day working visit to Perlis, announced an allocation of RM1.4million for the construction of a roof covering some 150 stalls at the market.