BN GOVT STRONG DESPITE FACING CHALLENGES, SAYS PM

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government, despite facing tough political challenges following the general election in March, remains strong to enable the people live in peace and harmony, said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He said the ability of the BN government to fulfill the mandate given by
the people, with the majority it has in the Dewan Rakyat (Lower House of
Parliament), should not be disputed.

Abdullah, who is also the BN chairman, said the BN as a ruling party
remains intact and strong to ensure that the people continue to enjoy the
benefits of development.

The BN government also realises and is sensitive to current developments
which require a new approach in the country's leadership and management, he said
in his message in conjunction with the annual congress of Parti Bersatu Sabah
(PBS), a component party of the ruling BN coalition, which he is scheduled to
open on Saturday.

Abdullah said the BN has taken appropriate measures to restore the people's
confidence by planning and taking new approaches to strengthen BN's leadership
and administration in tandem with current political developments.

"But we are wary of the efforts by some groups trying to raise apprehension
to undermine investor confidence in the country's economy," he said.

Abdullah said he hopes that Malaysians of all races and religions will
unite and continue to be with the BN to ensure that the country continues to
enjoy rapid economic development.

He thanked the people of East Malaysia state of Sabah for having supported
the BN in the last general election.
-- BERNAMA