BN confident of winning polls

PUTRAJAYA: Barisan Nasional is confident of winning a two-thirds majority in the upcoming general election, its deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, said yesterday. The deputy prime minister, who is also Umno deputy president, said despite the current issues being played up by the opposition, BN was confident of achieving it.

"Yes, of course. We are positive (about winning) and we must have that positive attitude," he said after chairing the National Social Council meeting at the Implementation and Co-ordination Unit in the Prime Minister's Department.

"Obviously, we are hoping to get more than that (two-thirds)," Najib said, adding that voters would not be easily swayed by accusations hurled against the BN by the opposition.

He said the opposition would make all sorts of promises to entice voters.

"In the first place, do we need to respond to their antics? Their promises are nothing and unrealistic."

The latest gimmick by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) was that it would pay allowances to housewives if the party won in the general election.

Najib said voters knew BN's track record and appreciated what it had done to improve the quality of life of the people.

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Najib denies knowing anything about Dr M’s agreement

Reiterating his support and loyalty to the prime minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Najib Razak said today he did not know anything about an alleged agreement that Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi stay as premier only for one-term before stepping down in favour of his deputy.

"No, I don't know. I really don't know about that,” said the deputy prime minister after opening a seminar for Felda mosque officials at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre. “However, I am committed to support (the prime minister) and remain loyal to the prime minister. I don't know. You (reporters) have to ask the parties concerned."

Najib was responding to reporters’ questions on whether he knew of the "gentleman's agreement" between Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Abdullah. The agreement, according to the former prime minister yesterday, was made with Abdullah in 2003. However, Dr Mahathir conceded that he had no way of proving the existence of such an agreement.

The understanding, Dr Mahathir said, was for Abdullah to serve as a prime minister for one term before passing the baton to Najib. Dr Mahathir was quoted by AFP as saying, "That was my thinking since (Abdullah) was older than Najib, he should be PM for one term and then Najib should be able to take over."

Najib, also the Barisan Nasional deputy chairman, stressed he was committed to support and remain loyal to the prime minister. At the same time, he said his focus was on the coming general election and to ensure the BN’s victory.

Source: http://www.emedia.com.my/detailnews.php?nid=908&cid=N01

Related news analysis: Perjanjian lisan tidak valid!

LATEST DEVELOPMENT: Wed Feb 06, 08 5:16:44 pm MYT: PRU ke 12: Peluang tipis Najib untuk gantikan Abdullah sebagai PM. Apakah Dato' Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak berfikir, kesetiaan yang ditunjukkan beliau kepada Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi akan membantunya menjadi Perdana Menteri Malaysia yang ke-6? Mesej sebenar yang hendak disampaikan bekas Perdana Menteri, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad adalah, jika Abdullah diberi mandat melanjutkan khidmatnya sepenggal lagi, Najib mungkin tidak berpeluang menjadi PM dan Presiden Umno.