KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak wants Gerakan members to redouble efforts to enable the Barisan Nasional (BN) to continue to gain the support of the people.

"We must be close to the people, always give effective service and ensure that our organisation has a strong and organised machinery to carry out our activities,” he said.

Najib disclosed this in a message via a video recording which was screened at the Gerakan Party’s 45th national delegates conference, here today.

The two-minute video screening received loud applause from the delegates present.

Najib expressed confidence that Gerakan could improve its performance in the coming general election based on the good service provided to the people under the leadership of party president, Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong.

"I have also recommended and again emphasised to all Gerakan members to have the courage of their conviction.

"Through consensus and close cooperation and sincerity, I believe BN will continue to succeed in leading Malaysia towards greater success that would make the people proud,” he said.

Najib also pointed out the importance for the BN component parties to refute the allegations by the opposition which frequently manipulated current issues and discredited Malaysia.

The two-day conference which began yesterday with the theme ‘Unite For Progress and Prosperity’ is attended by more than 1,200 delegates from throughout the country. — Bernama