Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today vowed to continue the struggle to defend his leadership for national economic development and the people’s welfare.

Najib said he was not a thief of the citizens’ property as portrayed by certain quarters who deliberately wanted to tarnish his image.

“You already know me. I am not like what is said by the people over there. I am not like that. I have looked after Pahang in the best possible manner.

“If I had wanted to rob, I would have robbed the forest here long ago. I didn’t even take an inch, I didn't take a single tree in Pahang, I didn’t take the bauxite mine, I didn’t take anything.

“I have not changed my stand when I became prime minister, I will not take the people’s property, don’t think I am a crook, don’t think I steal the people’s property, I am the prime minister for the people,” he said at a Solidarity Gathering at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base in Kuantan today.

The gathering, which was held to express support for Najib, was attended by more than 5,000 members and leaders of Umno and Barisan Nasional from 14 divisions in the state. Also present was Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob.

Najib, who is also the Pekan Member of Parliament, prior to this, arrived at the RMAF Base at 9.30am in a special aircraft, and was received by Adnan and party leaders.

The Umno president urged the people of Malaysia especially party members to ignore the political cooperation of former Umno leaders and the opposition because it was not beneficial compared to the government which had done much good for the people all these while.

“We work, we take care of the economy, we want the young to have jobs, expand the economy, we want to take care of villagers, we want to develop the urban areas, suburban areas, the beach and mountain fringes, all of these we have to take care,” he said.

Condemns the action of Dr M

At the same time, he also condemned the action of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad who launched a declaration with the opposition to topple the government under his leadership.

He said such acts went against the principles held by the leader all this while when he tried to topple and change the prime minister elected by the people in an undemocratic manner.

“For 22 years he had criticised the DAP... (he) said Kit Siang (Lim Kit Siang) was racist...he said the DAP was a chauvinistic party, denying the rights of the Malays, oppressed Islam, we have heard his speeches.

“I am not saying this, it was Dr Mahathir himself who said this for 22 years... today he (Dr Mahathir) sits beside whom, he signed the people’s declaration with whom,” Najib asked.

He added that it was not proper that Dr Mahathir, several former Umno leaders and the opposition tried to topple the government by holding street demonstrations and rallies as planned by the group earlier.

“Previously, (he) said street demonstrations were wrong in terms of the law. Previously (he) said it was illegal in terms of democratic principles. But now, it is something else,” he said.

Meanwhile, Najib thanked the people of Pahang who attended the Solidarity Gathering today to express support for his leadership.

He felt elated at the situation because it reflected that he was not alone in facing the numerous ordeals and challenges to lead the nation.

“As a Pahang-born, my heart is soothed today. Despite being attacked from a myriad of directions, if my soldiers are like what they are today, I am not alone,” he said.

- Bernama

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