Najib confident Perlis will remain BN stronghold

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.