The prime minister said with no experience and track record behind them, the opposition failed to prove that their alliance was stronger than that of the BN which had been tested for more than 50 years.
"The BN government knows that in shouldering the responsibility, we've got to have a sense of humanity and tawadduk (humility) to understand the aspirations of the people, to feel the pulse of people," he said when addressing nearly 10,000 people at the 'Sepagi Bersama Perdana Menteri' programme at Arena Square here today.
He said even though times had changed, but the BN principle remained unchanged amid different styles.
"We have different style before, but the principle does not change, only the style changed. Before, (the leader paced with) a walking stick and dressed in a bush jacket, now adorning the 1Malaysia shirt, simple and not expensive. The government should have continuity because if there is no continuity, the government can't make long-term plans," he said.
Najib said changing the government was not like switching menu as it would not benefit the country and the people.
"As a developing country with a future, we need continuity, we need it not just for the sake of power, but for the people to get greater benefits under the BN," he said.
He said opposition had been instigating the people to hate the government, but democracy did not revolve around hatred, instead it was about whose agenda was better, and this bolstered the BN's confidence to continue with the objective of developing the country and the people.
The prime minister said this was attested in the 2013 budget which was aimed at achieving equitable social justice, which was inclusive and comprehensive, by taking into account the needs of all levels of society.
He dismissed claims that the budget was an election budget, otherwise the government would have given more than what had been presented.
"That's why our budget is a responsible budget. There is not even one international or local analyst who says that our budget has no credibility and irresponsible.
"But many chided the budget presented by the opposition to the extent that they did not analyse it as there is no basis of credibility in the budget," he said.
Najib said the BN government also had big plans for Perak development such as the West Coast Expressway project that would give a positive impact on the progress of the people and places like Bagan Datoh and Teluk Intan.
"The highway project will become a reality in a few years' time as the coastal areas from Selangor to Perak are not well developed compared to the areas along the North-South Expressway. I believe towns like Teluk Intan will see rapid development soon," he said.
Present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri G.Palanivel.
-- BERNAMA
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