BN has never given up on Penang, says Najib
Najib Razak meeting delegates at the second Penang International Business and Investment Summit at the Spice Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang, today. (Najib Razak Telegram pic)
GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional has never abandoned Penang after losing the state to Pakatan Harapan, former prime minister Najib Razak said today.
He said that in the past, the BN federal government reduced Penang’s debt by 95% through restructuring, gave RM1.2 billion to expand a dam, and built a second bridge for the island to spur the economy in Seberang Perai.
“One of the most important principles to develop the state is to be close to the federal government,” he said after opening the second Penang International Business and Investment Summit.
“We have never forsaken Penang despite being the opposition now. More importantly, we’ve implemented policies that were fair to all.”
Najib said many Penangites realised they had been “cheated” as a number of promises had been unfulfilled by PH.
“I see there is a realisation now that the future of Penang will be secure if BN leads. I’m confident BN will do better in the future.”
Earlier, in his keynote address, Najib described Penang’s reclamation plans as “grandiose”, and that they would do no good for the environment.
He said the seagrass meadow at Teluk Kumbar, where the three islands reclamation project was being planned, was irreplaceable as it was a vital fishery site and a source of protein for the lower-income group.
“Food security does not only involve preserving the padi fields but also in conserving multiple food sources,” he said.
Separately, Najib encouraged the Malays to pick up languages such as Mandarin and dialects such as Cantonese and Hakka to improve their business ties with China.
“As for the Malaysian Chinese, it is time for them to be proficient in the language of the Malay archipelago so that we don’t miss out on Indonesia, the next upcoming area of growth in this region.
“At the same time, it will strengthen national integration and unity,” he said.
During his two-day trip to Penang, Najib is expected to meet the Chinese communities on the island and the mainland, and later meet the state Umno liaison committee.
GEORGE TOWN: Barisan Nasional has never abandoned Penang after losing the state to Pakatan Harapan, former prime minister Najib Razak said today.
He said that in the past, the BN federal government reduced Penang’s debt by 95% through restructuring, gave RM1.2 billion to expand a dam, and built a second bridge for the island to spur the economy in Seberang Perai.
“One of the most important principles to develop the state is to be close to the federal government,” he said after opening the second Penang International Business and Investment Summit.
“We have never forsaken Penang despite being the opposition now. More importantly, we’ve implemented policies that were fair to all.”
Najib said many Penangites realised they had been “cheated” as a number of promises had been unfulfilled by PH.
“I see there is a realisation now that the future of Penang will be secure if BN leads. I’m confident BN will do better in the future.”
Earlier, in his keynote address, Najib described Penang’s reclamation plans as “grandiose”, and that they would do no good for the environment.
He said the seagrass meadow at Teluk Kumbar, where the three islands reclamation project was being planned, was irreplaceable as it was a vital fishery site and a source of protein for the lower-income group.
“Food security does not only involve preserving the padi fields but also in conserving multiple food sources,” he said.
Separately, Najib encouraged the Malays to pick up languages such as Mandarin and dialects such as Cantonese and Hakka to improve their business ties with China.
“As for the Malaysian Chinese, it is time for them to be proficient in the language of the Malay archipelago so that we don’t miss out on Indonesia, the next upcoming area of growth in this region.
“At the same time, it will strengthen national integration and unity,” he said.
During his two-day trip to Penang, Najib is expected to meet the Chinese communities on the island and the mainland, and later meet the state Umno liaison committee.
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