KUALA LUMPUR: The 12 partners of Umno in Barisan Nasional have pledged their “full and undivided support” for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Their presidents made the pledge after a meeting at Parliament building yesterday.
Leading the pledge was MCA’s Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai who said: “We, the component party presidents of Barisan Nasional, would like to declare our full and undivided support for the Prime Minister and chairman of Barisan Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his leadership.”
He said the announcement was to show a united front for Najib’s continued leadership.
“We will stand by him all the way to lead Barisan to ensure the continued transformation of the country.
“We are confident that the Economic Transformation Plan will achieve its target by 2020,” Liow said at a press conference attended by all 12 party presidents. Also present was Barisan secretary-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.
Asked if the pledge was made because Najib’s leadership was being challenged, Liow said: “No. We had gathered for a meeting in Parliament and decided to take the opportunity to make the announcement via the media.”
Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem, who is Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu president, said the pledge was to show that there was no dissenting voice within Barisan and the announcement was also to discourage speculation.
Liow said: “I think it is important for all the component parties to be united (in facing) the challenges in the years ahead in transforming Barisan.
“We need to be strong and of one voice in support of the Prime Minister.”