KUALA LUMPUR: BARISAN Nasional accepts its defeat in the 14th General Election (GE14) as the will of the people, said its chairman Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“BN is committed to respecting the principles of a parliamentary democracy. I feel blessed to have been able to lead this country. I would like to thank all BN leaders, grassroots and Umno leaders who worked tirelessly during GE14.
“Winning 79 seats is still a mandate from the people and (these seats) need to be looked after well.”
Speaking at Menara Dato Onn yesterday, he said GE14 was a “tough fight”.
“But this is a manifestation of the democracy we practise. There were many ‘weapons’ used, including slander and sedition, such as that BN would cheat during GE14.
“But there was no cheating... even though (it went to the extent that) there were messages that a National Security Council meeting would be held to declare a state of emergency.
“Since 2009, the BN government worked to increase the standard of living for the people and pave the way forward for future generations. There were many benefits from the trickle-down economic effect... in fact, this development (of the country) was recognised by world bodies.
“Despite this, perhaps what was offered was not up to the mark compared with the manifesto offered by Pakatan Harapan, which offered other things.”
Flanked by BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Najib said he was aware that there were deficiencies in the administration of the country, and accepted the people’s decision.
Najib did not take any questions from journalists after making his statement and left the building immediately.
Present were BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Wanita BN chief Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, BN Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin and Puteri Umno chief Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin. -- Additional reporting by Luqman Arif Abdul Karim