KUALA LUMPUR: In order for Malaysia to maintain its position as a “civilized country,” Prime Minister Najib Razak said that the country must not allow the opposition to take power. He pointed to the stomping on pictures of leaders as a sign the opposition is using tactics that threatens the stability of the country. Describing such actions by a number of youths on Merdeka Day as “forsaking patriotism,” he argued that “these could lead to the destruction of the fundamental values that the nation had based its success on. “What will happen to the country's future if the King were to be disrespected, the Constitution forsaken and the law not abided by? “Thus, the rakyat must give a firm mandate to Barisan Nasional,” he said on Thursday. “Only the Barisan Government can ensure a civilised and successful nation.” It comes as the government and the opposition continue to prepare for a general election, which must be held before April next year. Experts and observers have told Bikyamasr.com they believe the election will be one of the most tightly contested in the country's history. The ruling government has never lost an election. At a press conference later on Thursday, the PM said he had “no problems” meeting the father of the 19-year-old student who was caught stomping and pulling down his pants at the Prime Minister's image. “He can see me any time, but the law and sovereignty must be respected,” he said. Razak was responding to a report that quoted the father from Batu Pahat as apologizing for his son's actions. The father hoped that he could meet the prime minister to ask for his forgiveness. The PM, who is Barisan chairman, also reminded leaders that “jostling for positions was meaningless.” “It doesn't matter who the leader is. Barisan must win. We must show that we are united and not forsaking the party,” he said.
