Presence of thousands of supporters proves people want Najib to lead

The presence of more than 1,000 people to greet Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak after his working visit to Milan and New York at the Bunga Raya Complex, KL International Airport (KLIA) here proves that the country's number one leader still commands solid support.

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak said the presence of the thousands of supporters clearly showed that the people still wanted Najib to continue to lead the nation.

"In addition, the presence of Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders and members of the cabinet to welcome Najib is symbolic of the undivided support for the prime minister to continue to lead the nation and BN.

"It also shows that the prime minister still receives the support of the party. This is the time for us to unite, to reach a consensus because we are still facing many challenges," he told Bernama, here today.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hussein said the presence of the supporters and the national leaders also refuted the allegations that the prime minister purportedly did not have strong support.

"People can make all kinds of allegations and criticisms. But our strength is still strong at the grassroots level that showed up today," said Hishammuddin who is also an UMNO vice-president.

Sharing Hishammuddin's view was Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Governments Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan who described the presence of the supporters as giving a sign to outsiders who tried to jeopardise the party.

"The large crowd is a sign that the prime minister has strong support and when he is strong, he can handle the economy well," he said.

Supporters had arrived at the complex as early as 7am to welcome the country's number one leader.

They carried banners and posters bearing the words "Selamat Pulang Wira Negara dan Keamanan Sejagat" (Welcome Home National and Universal Peace Hero), "Najib Razak Pejuang Keadilan Terhadap Palestin dan Umat Islam" (Najib Razak Fights for Justice for Palestine and Muslims), "Allah Selamatkan Najib Allah Selamatkan Palestin" (Allah Protects Najib, Allah Protects Palestine) and "PM Najib Help Palestine, Save Syrian Refugees, We Are With You".