BN AND UMNO IN TURMOIL

Sin Chew Daily
Sunday, Sept., 07 2008

NAJIB: I've Got The Message

Deputy prime minister cum UMNO deputy president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said, in the Permatang Pauh by-election, more than 90% of Chinese voters cast their votes for PKR, and from there he got the message delivered by the voters to UMNO.

"I've got the message, and understood it. I always tell people, 'BN must listen to what the people say.'"

He said UMNO and BN had no choice but to change and adjust itself.

On whether that is his personal stand or that of UMNO, he said, "If we want to redeem our image, if we want to win back the support and continue ruling this country, do we still have any choice other than changing ourselves?"

He said during an exclusive interview with Sin Chew Daily on Friday, "UMNO or BN must be seen as a political party that will fight for the rights of all races. Other than Malays, we must also get the support from non-Malays."

He felt that MCA and Gerakan Rakyat were not unhappy with UMNO, but with the UMNO leader who had said something unbecoming.

"The situation today cannot be seen as a crisis. However, we cannot pretend that we have seen nothing. We must sit down and look into the matter seriously. The people's voice must be heard, and respected."

Najib emphasised that BN had no other choices, adding that if it wanted to continue ruling this country, it must be seen as a party that represents all races, and is supported by all races. - Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily