Najib: Barisan goes for long-term measures for the good of all

KANGAR, Perlis - The Barisan Nasional government will not burden the future generation of this country by neglecting the long-term planning merely to gain short-term support from the people.

Instead, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said short-term planning and promises like those being made by the Opposition would only serve as a recipe for economic disaster.

"We are a responsible government, thus we cannot ignore the importance of long-term planning just to garner votes.

"We need to look at the implication of our decisions on the country's future and the future of the people," he said at a press conference after attending a Meet the People Session at Simpang Empat here yesterday.

Citing several European countries as examples, Najib said Malaysia could fall if the country did not properly manage its economy.

Najib said Malaysia had recorded RM26 billion (S$10.7 billion) in revenue for 2010 until 2011, and the money could now be used for more programmes for the people.

"Previously, I said our revenue was RM22 billion but I was told a few days ago that it has increased to RM26 billion. This shows that we do not have to borrow money from anyone," he added.

He said the promises made by the Opposition, including reducing fuel price, writing off toll and the National Higher Education Fund loans, were irrational.

"If they write off the loans, what about the future students? RM40 billion is a huge amount of money. Will they do the same for future students and write off another RM40 billion?" he asked.

Najib and his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were on a day's visit to Perlis yesterday.

He began his visit at Nat Behor Lateh where he announced a RM1.1 million allocation for the construction of a roof at the market.

Najib also met Felda settlers at Felda Chuping in Arau where he assured them that Felda Global Ventures Holdings' listing would be to their advantage.