KUALA LUMPUR: Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng today congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak for winning the Umno president's post uncontested and hoped that he will be "the new prime minister for all races instead of for Umno only".
He said he will try to make an appointment with the prime minister-designate to discuss about healthier and more appropriate cooperation between the state and the federal government.
"We do not want to see Penangites sidelined as they pay about RM5 billion in income tax yearly, so they must also be taken care of. It is unacceptable if what we get back is less than 20% of what we gave, so he must be a prime minister that cares for all Malaysians," he told a media conference in Parliament lobby.
Najib on Sunday garnered 138 nominations from 191 Umno divisions to win the No.1 post uncontested.
Lim said he hoped Najib, who is also finance minister, can announce some measures that benefit the people in his ministry’s wrap up tomorrow for Budget 2009.
"So far, he (Najib) has announced RM5 billion to buy under-value shares in the stock market and nothing for ordinary Malaysians. So I reiterate DAP's proposed RM48 billion economic stimulus,," he added.
The DAP proposed in its stimulus plan on Sunday that:
1. RM6,000 annual oil bonus be given to all families earning less than RM6,000 a month, or RM 3,000 annual bonus to bachelors earning less than RM3,000 a month. The amount, Lim said, would cost RM35 billion or a third of Petronas' 2007 gross profits of RM107 billion;
2. A progressive reduction of corporate tax rate from the present 25% to 17% which will cost RM13 billion;
3. A daily revision of petrol prices to take into account changes in the international price of oil; and
4. A reduction in electricity tariffs, earlier increased by 26% for businesses, to reflect the latest change in the price of oil.
Meanwhile, Gerakan hopes Najib will promote the spirit of commitment and cooperation in Barisan Nasional (BN) to a higher level when he takes over the helm next March.
In congratulating Najib on his win, Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon said the deputy prime minister was expected to continue and further consolidate the process of reform in the government and BN.
"I hope Najib will promote the spirit of commitment and cooperation in BN to an even higher level, representing and realising the aspirations of all Malaysians to achieve a truly united and prosperous Bangsa Malaysia," he said in a statement released here today.
He said Gerakan would extend its support and cooperation to Najib to lead the country and BN.
"After having been confirmed as Umno president-elect, Najib is in a position of strength to assist Pak Lah in the interim period to realise the reforms promised while proceeding with preparations for his own plans as the next prime minister and BN chief," he said.
In the past few months, he said, Najib had frequently chaired the BN Management Committee meetings and was prepared to listen to diverse views, and was very focused and quick in achieving consensus.
The Sun
04/10/08
PEOPLE'S POWER
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