KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today said preserving political stability and peace are crucial for a country to develop and bring prosperity to the people.
Najib said the two factors, which he called the "kembar siam" (identical twins), were necessary concepts in all states in Malaysia, including Sarawak.
"Without political stability, it will be impossible for the government to attract investors and generate income for the people.”
He said political stability could be threatened by insiders causing disunity among people of different race and religion.
"That is why we must understand and embrace this ‘kembar siam’ concept for sustainable development for the nation," said Najib in his speech during a gathering with the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) at the Borneo Convention Centre here today.
Joining Najib and the 12,000 strong gathering of volunteers, was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Also present were several ministers from the Federal and state governments, including Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Health Minister Datuk Seri S. Subramaniam, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Mah Siew Keong, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek and Sarawak state secretary Tan Sri Morshidi Abdul Ghani.
In attendance was Najib's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, called on Sarawakians to continue supporting the ruling coalition.
"BN will continue to fight on to win the election. We want to win in style especially with the support of more than 341,000 Rela volunteers in the state," said Najib.
He also approved a request by Zahid for an allocation to buy uniforms for Rela volunteers.
"I want to announce the approval of RM10 million in allocation for the procurement of the uniforms this year, and another RM10 million to be channelled next year for the same purpose," he said.