Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday announced that the Lok Kawi-Papar road would be widened in stages.

He made the announcement after hearing grouses from residents in the area about traffic congestion along the 30km stretch of road between Lok Kawi and Papar town.

Hence, he called on the people, particularly those in this district, to continue supporting the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) government to ensure the continuity of such development efforts.

"I know you love me, but my name is not on the ballot paper.

"Therefore, please vote for BN. Ensure that you cross for BN (on the ballot paper)," he said at a gathering with Papar constituents, here, today.

Najib said various forms of aid such as the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) and early schooling aid would be continued if the people again gave their mandate to BN.

He said these efforts proved that BN really helped the people and would do anything possible for their own well-being.

"We have given BR1M 1, then BR1M 2.0. If you choose BN, we will give BR1M 3, BR1M 4."

"But we don't do Bersih 1, Bersih 2.0 and Bersih 3.0 because we don't do things that will waste the people's time," said Najib who also assured the people of Sabah that development efforts would go on in the state.

However, he hoped that those in the remote areas would be patient as development in these areas would be carried out in stages, considering their expanse and geography.

"Sabah requires huge costs for development to continue to be channelled to the people throughout the state.

"That is why BN needs a new mandate from the people to implement everything possible in their own interest," he said.

Najib also expressed confidence that BN would retain the Papar parliamentary seat and its two state seats, Pantai Manis and Kawang, in the upcoming 13th general election.

He regarded the spirit shown by the 10,000-strong crowd at the event as extraordinary and believed that Sabah would continue to develop in tandem with mainstream development under BN's administration.