By Roy Goh

TAWAU, MALAYSIA: As prime minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak says he prefers to focus his attention on the needs of the 27 million citizens of the country.

Everything else was secondary, he said and stressed that this was one of the key reasons he had adopted the 1Malaysia concept when he took over the helm.

Najib was speaking at a breaking of fast function at the district mosque. It was also attended by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and other state leaders.

As Umno president, Najib said he also had the duty to look after the 2,500 delegates at the party's coming annual general assembly.

In reiterating his call, which he made when opening the MIC general assembly two days ago, for leaders to not just be popular among party members but to be more popular with the people, he said: "I wish to stress that the rakyat should be given top priority, especially in the parliamentary democracy that we practise.

"The voice of the people needs to be heard.

"If I only look after the 2,500 delegates, I will always be Umno president, but that is not my intention.

"I prefer to look after all the 27 million people of Malaysia," he said to thunderous approval from the crowd which had turned up in full force, filling the grounds of the mosque.

He also reminded Umno divisional leaders to not only look after the branch leaders, who are important but also look after the needs of others.

"I have taken this approach since I took over as the prime minister -- I go down to the ground without protocol, without large gatherings.

"If we interact with the people, sit with them and eat with them, they will surely be with us.

"In this month of Ramadan, I have been to many breaking of fast functions with leaders and government department heads.

"But this gathering here is special because I get to be with many of you, the rakyat and this is important to me."

Najib also pointed out that there were non-Muslim leaders such as Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan attending the function and this reflected the 1Malaysia concept of showing respect for each other.

"Our country will be successful and great if we hold on to this concept because even the teachings of Islam tell us to be fair to all races.

"This is the same principle held by the Barisan Nasional government. We will defend the rights of all races and ensure the people will not feel sidelined."