SARATOK: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak threw a surprise for Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who is celebrating his second year anniversary as Sarawak Chief Minister today.
At the end of his speech during the Saratok-leg Sejiwa, Senada programme here, Najib called on the more than 30,000-strong crowd to stand up to show their support for the veteran politician.
Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, later called on Adenan to rise the stage before chanting "Hidup BN, Hidup Adenan."
The crowd reciprocated and joined Najib by chanting the same in unison.
Earlier, when declaring his fullest support for Adenan, Najib said he was confident that the current chief minister could accelerate growth and bring in more development for the state if he is given a strong mandate in the 11th Sarawak elections.
"In a short period of two years, Adenan has done so much for the people from reducing the electricity tariff to seeking for greater empowerment for Sarawak.
"I am sure he will bring more development in the next five years," said Najib.
He also said the relationship between the Federal and State governments need to be in the spirit of "Sejiwa, Sehati" (One Soul, One Harmony) for Sarawak to prosper.
This, said Najib, has been proven with the implementation of numerous projects including the development of the RM16 billion Pan-Borneo Highway which will change the economic landscape of the state.
"When the Federal and state government are Sejiwa, Senada, it will make negotiations between the parties easier as we have the same aspirations and understanding.
"This could only be achieved if both parties were represented by the same 'club' which is BN."
Najib is on a two-day long working visit to the state since yesterday.
He is expected to attend a meet-the-people session at the Jawang longhouse in Jalau, which is about three hours drive away from here.
Najib will conclude his visit by visiting flood-stricken areas at Kampung Rantau Panjang in Kuching before flying back to Kuala Lumpur.