Najib worry of Anwar political game

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has accused Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim of playing political games and ‘deliberately’ forcing the Penanti state by-election in Penang.

“The people generally do not like by-elections that are held deliberately. There is so much time, energy and money being spent on by-elections that we do not even need,” Najib said.

“There is so much politicking in the country when we should have instead focused on fixing the economy, prioritising the people’s benefits. We should move forward.”

His comments were unsurprising, given that his Umno-Barisan Nasional coalition has lost in four of the five by-elections held since the 2008 general elction.

Najib was in charge of the election machinery for the Umno-BN for the first two at Permatang Pauh and Kuala Terengganu, but quickly relinquished the hot seat to his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, in the recent triple by-election in Bukit Gantang, Bukit Selambau and Batang Ai.

It is also telling that he was concerned about the amount of funds spent on the election, given that the Umno-BN had to lavish RM70 million in election goodies on the 8,000-odd Batang Ai constituents. The Sarawak electorate was Najib’s sole victory.

Of principles, corruption, delay and apportioning blame

But today, Najib spoke about ‘principles’.

Ironically, most people in Perak and indeed throughout the nation are hoping for a quick snap election to re-determine the state government there after a ruthless power grab schemed by Najib failed to gain acceptance and legitimacy.

Said Najib: “We are talking about the principles of the by-elections according to constitution. Resigning runs contrary to the concept of parliamentary democracy and such.

“Once you offer yourself, you are committed to working in the duration of the parliamentary or state assembly to serve the people.”

He declined to rate his party’s chances in Penanti.

Meanwhile, Pakatan Rakyat leaders have said it is difficult for Fairus Khairuddin, who resigned the Penanti seat on Thursday and as Penang deputy chief minister a week ago, to carry on - given the allegations of corruption mounting against him.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which has completed investigations, has already forwarded the case to its prosecution department.

In January, at the height of campaigning for the Kuala Terengganu by-election, Najib admitted that a RM7 billion economic stimulus unveiled in the first week of November, 2008, had yet to be implemented. His supporters were quick to blame the opposition for the delay, but financial analysts had then said:

“Najib must stop blaming other people. This is not the Kuala Terengganu by-election. The RM7 billion package was finalised and announced by him. He has highly-paid staff to do the execution. If they didn’t, it reflects on him and shows a lack of leadership.”

The impact of the RM7 billion package is still largely un-felt, with no one really sure where the money went or was spent. Economic growth is expected to dip into negative territory in the first half of this year after GDP grew only 0.1 percent in the last quarter of 2008.

Najib, who is also finance minister, introduced a much-criticised RM60 billion mini-budget last month. Stretched over two years, the actual direct injection of additional money into the economy amounts to less than RM10 billion per year.

Courtesy Of SuaraKeadilan