KOTA KINABALU, Sept 16 — Addressing a sea of red-clad Sabahans at the historic Padang Merdeka here tonight, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak revelled in the support of one of Barisan Nasional’s so-called “fixed deposit” states.
Arriving to loud applause from the estimated 15,000 attendees gathered around the field and surrounding streets of the state capital, the prime minister held up the crowd as evidence of the backing that his administration enjoyed.
“Look, international media, the Sabahans support the Malaysian government,” he said to loud cheers of “Hidup” from the crowd.
“I didn’t see genies, I didn’t see ghosts, I saw people. Serious, enthusiastic and wearing the colour red who support the Barisan Nasional government,” he said.
The crowd were mostly clad in red T-shirts with the words “Saya Sokong Datuk Seri Najib (I support Datuk Seri Najib)” were believed to be from Umno divisions from all over the state, and were toting flags and banners proclaiming their support for the party and the leader.
Kota Kinabalu has been flooded by the presence of red-shirted supporters since 6.00am, many of whom were believed to have been ferried from other districts.
The gathering coincided with the “Himpunan Rakyat Bersatu” held in Kuala Lumpur today in support of the Najib administration.
Sabah is considered a vote bank for the ruling Barisan Nasional, contributing a significant number of federal seats that keeps the coalition in power.
Najib said tonight that he was thankful for the support in the state and it was only right to look after their welfare and make sure no group was left behind.
He announced that the Pan Borneo Highway mega-project in Sabah that will begin early next year would connect major cities in Sabah and Sarawak and about RM20 billion in projects, with all contacts being awarded to local Sabahan companies and contractors.
In comparing it to West Malaysia’s North-South Expressway, he said will open up opportunities for development and improving inter-city communication and close the development and socio-economic gap.
He added that the decision of the people and leaders of Sabah and Sarawak to get together with the peninsula and form Malaysia 52 years ago has benefitted the nation as a whole.
The Proclamation of Malaysia was announced in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu 52 years ago, with Najib’s father, Tun Abdul Razak, present in what was then still called Jesselton.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and Sarawak state assembly Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar today took part in a commemorative signing ceremony to signify the formation of Malaysia over half a decade ago.
