(Updated 6:32pm, 3 April)
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 April 2009: The Barisan Nasional (BN) component parties today congratulated Datuk Seri Najib Razak on his appointment as the new prime minister.
MIC president Datuk Seri S Samy Vellu in his message said Najib had proven to be an able and charismatic leader and had the vision of a far-sighted leader.
“He will be an excellent prime minister for all Malaysians and has the qualities needed to steer Malaysia out of the possible economic recession.”
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said the party would strengthen its partnership with the new leadership under Najib to protect the right of every Malaysian to be treated with equal concern and respect, regardless of race or religion.
“I believe his leadership will guide Barisan Nasional. He is able to see the larger picture — beyond the internal party political cocoon — that ultimately it is about working together as a team to ultimately serve the people,” Ong said in his message.
Lauding Najib’s resolve to tackle the country’s economic woes together as Malaysians, regardless of race or religion, he said: “We can’t afford to have zero-sum mentality where one community gains at the expense of the other.”
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), in its message, said was confident that Najib would have the ears of the people and would inspire the grassroots and bring them back to BN.
Federal Territory PPP chairperson A Chandrakumanan said Najib’s vast experience and long political career in the country’s administration would stand him in good stead to tackle all the issues very well.
Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Jalil described Najib as a statesperson with experience, vision and wisdom who could bring change to all Malaysians and the women’s wing would give him all the support to achieve his mission.
Meanwhile, the various non-governmental organisations (NGO) also congratulated Najib, expressing confidence that the new prime minister would be able to ride challenges ahead, especially those posed by the global economic slowdown and national unity.
The Malaysian Associated Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Datuk KK Eswaran said that with the global economic downturn making its impact on Malaysia, the political landscape unsettled and the rising demands of the average Malaysians, it would be a daunting task for the new prime minister to lead the nation.
“No doubt he has to shoulder a heavy responsibility and we have tremendous hope in him but with his pragmatic appraoches to managing and leading, we believe he will prevail and and steer our nation to gerater heights,” he added.
The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) expressed confidence that Najib had the capability and the wisdom to deliver Malaysia from any effect that may arise from the global economic slowdown.
Its general secretary, J.Solomon, said the union was confident that Najib would continue to care for the lowest paid employees in the banking industry and described the union’s dealing with the Finance Ministry headed by Najib was an illustration of his efficiency and effectiveness.
The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Redha) said it was encouraged by Najib’s firm commitment to enhancing national unity through the “One Malaysia” concept.
“We fully share his view that mutual trust and respect for each other will provide the nation with stability and strength in moving the country to greater heights, particularly in these challenging times,” said its president, Datuk Ng Seing Liong.
The “One Malaysia” concept was also lauded by the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) which said that it must also mean a safe and secure Malaysia because other than the economy, crime had become an issue of major concern to all Malaysians.
Its vice-chair, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said Najib must take steps to strengthen the Royal Malaysia Police and ensure that its remained a truly professional force which served with pride and intergrity, a force that would be held in high esteem by law-abiding Malaysians and feared by criminals. — Bernama
See also: Najib is PM (Updated 12.10pm)
