GE13: National transformation better than 'reformasi', says Najib

Barisan Nasional is confident that it has the full support of the rural communities for the 13th general election.
Party chief Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said rural folks know that only Barisan can provide a better future for them with initiatives like the government's rural transformation programme.
"During my visits to the villages and rural areas, it is clear that the people are hard-core supporters of Barisan.
"This is because they have evaluated what we have provided for them all these while. They know Barisan has improved their livelihoods and that only we can provide a better future for them," said Najib to more than 10,000 people at Kampung Bukit Wan here Wednesday.
"Barisan's principle is simple, if we make promises or pledges, they must be fulfilled. Yet one Pakatan leader claims manifestos are not promises," he said.
Najib also made a comparison between Barisan's transformation agenda and Pakatan's "reformasi" tagline.
"Reformasi invites the people to demonstrate on the street. Our transformation agenda educates the people to seek change in a more civil manner," said Najib.
"So when they came up with Bersih 1.0 or Bersih 2.0, I came up with BR1M 1.0 and BR1M 2.0. Which is better?" said Najib, followed by a resounding cry of "BR1M!" from the crowd.
He also shot down Pakatan's pledge to reduce the price of petrol if they took over the country and said it was more economical to give cash handouts to the needy.
"The BR1M cash handouts are given to those whose income level is below RM3,000. But if we subsidised the price of petrol instead, there will be plenty of leakages because the rich as well as foreigners can enjoy it," said Najib.
He urged the voters in Terengganu to keep Barisan in power and to give the coalition a bigger mandate at federal level.
"We do not want to back to the dark ages when PAS took over Terengganu for five years. Give your trust to Barisan and as the chairman I will ensure our transformation agenda will be continued," said Najib.
At the event, Najib handed out awards to the best villages in the country, based on several criteria including commerce, education and infrastructure.
Organised every two years, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry award event yesterday saw Kampung Bukit Wan and Johor's Kampung Sungai Jambi emerging as joint champions for 2012.
Najib, who was on a one-day visit to Terengganu, was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.
Also present were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said and Rural and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Hasan Malek.