Vote BN to guarantee Malaysia’s future, Najib tells youths
UPDATED @ 07:14:28 AM 27-05-2012
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib waves to the crowd at the Himpunan Sejuta Belia, May 26 2012. — Pic by Choo Choy May PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Only the Barisan Nasional (BN) government can guarantee a stable and better future for all Malaysians, the prime minister told youths today ahead of an expected general election.
A jovial Datuk Seri Najib Razak told the tens of thousands youths gathered at the Himpunan Sejuta Belia (Millions of Youth Gathering) in Putrajaya that it was important that they make a correct choice when casting their ballots, saying that his coalition has proven its capability in delivering positive change for the country for more than 55 years.
"55 years ago, youths your age became voters, decided and made wise and correct decision..they chose a government, that government led this country and brought change after change for more than 55 years.
"12 times we have gone through elections. Youths, older ones gave trust to the same government and the same government has proven the capability to bring change after change," he said to a thunderous applause from the crowd.
"That's why today we have faith, we (BN) have fulfilled our promises We have brought great changes, we gather (today) because Malaysia is a success story, admired by other nations.
"(This is a) country whereby youths gathering today can feel confident, under this government tomorrow will be better than today," he said.
Today's youths, said Najib are "matured" and know how which coalition to choose when the time came for the general election.
The prime minister congratulated the masses of youths who turned up today, saying they showed that majority of Malaysian youths were peaceful and respectful of the country's laws.
"Even the police are not worried..these are the youths that can guarantee a better tomorrow than today.
" (Those) youths kicking policemen laying on street is not the picture of youths that can guarantee the future...jumping on police cars not youths we can count our future on," Najib said, referring to the actions of a handful of protesters during last month's Bersih 3.0 rally.
"You are the perfect examples. Majority of youths are like you. Don't let a few youths hijack image, agenda of this country. Don't let them take power.
"Democracy does not mean streets protests..that is demo-crazy," he added to laughter and applause from the adoring crowd.
The April 28 rally that saw tens of thousands gather at six different locations before heading to Dataran Merdeka was peaceful until about 2.30pm when Bersih co-chairman Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan asked the crowd to disperse.
But her announcement was not heard by most of the crowd who persisted to linger around the historic square which the court had already barred to the public over the weekend.
Just before 3pm, some protesters breached the barricade surrounding the landmark, leading police to disperse the crowd with tear gas and water cannons.
Police then continued to pursue rally-goers down several streets amid chaotic scenes which saw violence from both sides over the next four hours.
Several dozen demonstrators have claimed that they were assaulted by groups of over 10 policemen at a time and visual evidence appears to back their claim but police also point to violence from rally-goers who also attacked a police car.
