PM NAJIB CONFIDENT OF BN RECAPTURE OF PENANG IN NEXT GENERAL ELECTION

BALIK PULAU (Penang), April 2 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak said Saturday there were signs of a wind of change in northern state of Penang, and the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) was confident of recapturing the state in the next generalelection.

He said that during his visit to the state Saturday, many quarters had expressed their disappointment with the Pakatan-led state government and wanted a change.

"There is an inclination for change. Although it is yet sentiment, we want the sentiment to be translated into support," he told a news conference after attending a lunch with the people in Kampung Permatang Pasir, here.

Najib said that when he went to the ground (walkabout) Saturday on his day-long visit to the state, he came across people lamenting that stallholders were facing pressure and had difficulty earning a living, unlike during the time of the BN administration of the state. The Pakatan (Alliance) pact of DAP, PKR and PAS took over Penang in the 2008 general election.

The prime minister said the wind of change in favour of the BN was also evident in the several recent by-elections which the coalition won with a bigger majority.

He said prophets of doom in the opposition had claimed that the leadership crises in the Middle East would spread to Malaysia.

"I wish to respond that while the crises is occurring there, the BN has been increasing its majority in the by-elections of late," he added.

Najib, who is also BN chairman, said BN leaders should not feel disheartened by the coalition's defeat (in Penang) in the last general election because it was part and parcel of politics.

"We must pick ourselves up and determine how we can triumph again, and not become too disappointed," he said, adding that to rise again, all BN leaders and members should work together in pursuit of that one objective.

"Let's not have quarrels in the (BN) family. We must keep away conflicts and forge cooperation and do our best. Only then can we rise again," he said.

Najib also hit out at those who claimed that the federal government had marginalised Penang when it had been developing the state all along, including enhancing foreign investment there.

"It is not that we do not want to cooperate (with the state government), but there are quarters which want to play politics, like taking credit for the toil of others," he said.

Najib called on the people of Penang not to gamble with their future, and ensure the return of the BN to helm the state government.