Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is confident that Perlis will continue to remain a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold following the show of support for him from the "two tigers" in the northern state.
Najib, who is also UMNO president, said the support from "political strongman" Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and "government strongman" Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azlan Man was crucial for the BN's strength in Perlis.
"In Perlis, there are two heads, one political and the other government. If the two of them are on the same page, Perlis will be strong.
"Shahidan has already pledged his undivided support to me and just a moment ago, Azlan has openly stated that even if lightning strikes, he will still be solidly behind me.
"With this, I can sleep easy and not feel I am alone (in my struggle). This support is important because we need a government that is strong," he told more than 5,000 guests at a "People's Feast" held at Dewan 2020 here today.
Earlier, Azlan in his speech had announced his undivided support to the Prime Minister and government.
Shahidan, who is former menteri besar of Perlis, is the MP for Arau and a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department.
According to Najib, BN needs the solid support of all to ensure it was respected and not seen as weak.
"Not only will the people disrespect our party, they will also think it will lose power in the next general election.
"In the context of Perlis and based on history, the state has proven it is always BN 'soil'," said Najib.
He gave his assurance to cooperate with the political leadership and state government of Perlis to ensure the state would continue to be a strong BN state.
Other than political matters, Najib also said all the aspirations of the people would be met by the BN government which would ensure fair development for all levels of society.
In terms of development, Najib said Perlis' financial resources was limited and needed the continuous support and aid from the federal government in order to continue to develop.
"I am very concerned in terms of major projects. I know Perlis is constrained financially to pay for major projects planned for the state," he said.
In this regard, he said the federal government in principle had agreed to approve the Chuping Valley development project and the Padang Besar logistics hub under the 11th Malaysia Plan.
Najib also approved the construction of the Padang Besar Hospital.
"My commitment is to see Perlis continue to progress," he added.
Earlier, the prime minister, who is also BN chairman, held a closed door meeting with state BN leaders and also attended a briefing on development in the state.
Bernama
Sat May 30 2015
NAJIB: Perlis will continue to remain a Barisan Nasional (BN) stronghold. -Filepix
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect, civilians head back to south Lebanon
Streams of cars began heading to southern Lebanon, which borders Israel, after the ceasefire.
IPIC case: Najib, Mohd Irwan granted DNAA for six CBT charges involving RM6.6 billion
The judge made the decision after allowing the DNAA application submitted by the lawyers representing Najib and Mohd Irwan, respectively.
Trump team signs transition agreement with Biden White House after delays
The move will allow Trump's team to coordinate directly with federal agencies and access documents.
Pakistani forces launch midnight raid on ex-PM Imran Khan's supporters, local media reports
At least six people, including four paramilitary soldiers, were killed before the Tuesday night raid was launched.
Australia moves closer to ban social media for children
Australian parliament's lower house passes the bill, even as Google and Meta press the government to delay the legislation
Prospect of Lebanon ceasefire leaves Gazans feeling abandoned
Months of US-backed Arab mediation have yet to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza.
Four bodies recovered from capsized tourist boat off Egypt's Red Sea coast
The boat, the Sea Story, capsized on Monday near the Sataya Reef while carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew on a multi-day diving trip.
UTP introduced a first-of-its-kind Bachelor of Integrated Engineering with Honours
UTP has proudly unveiled Malaysia's first multidisciplinary engineering programme.
Biden to push for Gaza ceasefire after Israel-Lebanon deal
The US "will make another push, with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and others, to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza," says Joe Biden.
JPS issues flood warning, 30 villages in Pasir Puteh expected to be inundated
Flooding is expected near Sungai Semerak, Pasir Puteh, affecting low-lying villages within 5km of the river, according to PRABN.
What Trump 2.0 could mean for trade, migrants, climate change and electric cars
Here's a summary of the policies Donald Trump has said he will pursue when he takes office on Jan. 20.
UN says Taliban detained journalists over 250 times in Afghanistan since takeover
The Taliban-led foreign ministry denies having arrested that number of journalists and added that those arrested had committed a crime.
TikTok becoming app of choice for criminals promoting investment scams - Police
Many users continue to be tricked and scammed even though police have repeatedly issued warnings about scams proliferating on social media.
MOE’s mental health screening identifies students with emotional challenges
Deputy Minister of Education says, those identified with severe emotional issues undergo screening twice a year.
Israel, Hezbollah agree to ceasefire brokered by US and France, to take effect Wednesday
Israel will gradually withdraw its forces over 60 days as Lebanon's army takes control of territory near its border with Israel to ensure that Hezbollah does not rebuild its infrastructure there.
'No one will win a trade war,' China says after Trump tariff threat
Donald Trump says he would impose the tariffs until China stops the flow of illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.
What has caused Pakistan's deadly clashes between police and supporters of Imran Khan?
Topping the demands of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is the release of all its leaders, including Khan, who has been jailed on a series of corruption charges since August 2023.
Myanmar rebel army ready for dialogue with junta, with China's help
China puts pressure on rebels amid the rapid degeneration of the military, which Beijing has long seen as a guarantor of stability.
One woman or girl killed every 10 minutes by intimate partner or family member - UN
The report highlights that "60 per cent of all female homicides" are committed by "people closely related to them".
Malaysia ready to collaborate with South Korea on more substantial matters - PM
Malaysia seeks deeper collaboration with South Korea on digitalization, AI, and advanced learning curve discussions.