PENAMPANG: Impactful changes can be made with strength in numbers and this goes the same in Barisan Nasional (BN) family, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Referring to Parti Bersatu Sabah’s (PBS) decision to join the coalition, he said PBS leaders have made the right choice in choosing to put the country’s interest first.
“PBS has been in Sabah political scene for 32 years or three decades, despite its past history I am glad the party chose to be with BN today and it allows unity in fighting for a bigger purpose.
“If we are a bigger unit, we have more power in achieving something big especially in the context of fulfilling the needs of every ethnic group in Malaysia,” said Najib.
During the opening of the PBS 32nd Annual Congress, he also said the event was bittersweet as it will see the last time for PBS President Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan,77, to deliver his speech in the congress as he will retire next year.
The crowd gave Pairin a standing ovation as Najib thanked him for his contributions.
He also expressed confidence in Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili who will be taking over the helm of the party.
Najib said as Prime Minister he held on the leadership principle of being fair to all and will ensure development from Perlis all the way to Sabah.
He said basic infrastructure including for education is needed to ensure Sabahans reach their full potential including becoming heads of departments.
“I will continue to give focus to Sabah which has a lot of potentials for growth,” he added.
He reminded it was not that easy to ensure Sabah become part of Malaysia, and reminded how his late father went to meet leaders in Sabah to materialise this.
“So now I continue the legacy to ensure the successful implementation of the decision, and see it translated to success,” said Najib.
On another note, he said RM500 million allocation has been approved through facilitation fund programme to Sabah for the eco-tourism project in Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu, aimed to become additional tourism attraction, but did not elaborate further.