NOT EVEN THE SCORPENES? Don't query spending on security - Najib

Host: Are you ready now to call for the general election?

Answer: I have been waiting myself (laughs). But when we call for the general election, first of all, it has to be predicated within the ambit of the Constitution. That's quite obvious. We will do it within the context of what is allowable within the Constitution. But more importantly, when I took office in 2009, I introduced a raft of reforms to the country, basically we call it the transformational agenda for the country. We were set to really transform the nation. Of course, we wanted to achieve Vision 2020 and we know it's quite a challenge for us to bring Malaysia to that level, to greater heights.

Host: But you could have called the election at that time (referring to the time soon after he became prime minister).

Answer: Yes, but I wanted to face the people and show to the people that our transformation programme is actually working and that there is real progress in the country; real change is taking place and that we are delivering and people can see for themselves, feel the results.

So I need the time because you know when we plan things, between planning and execution and delivering, it does take time. But, Alhamdulillah (praise to Allah), I'm very pleased that the outcome has been positive and the whole host of macro figures indicate that we have been able to achieve beyond our expectation, within four years.

For example, the external global economy is so weak and uncertain and Malaysia is able to perform in the sense that we are back on track. I mean, look at the euro zone countries. The economies there are contracting. Look at the United States, they are talking about one or two per cent growth. But Malaysia in the last quarter, we achieved 6.4 per cent. And I can quote you, I can read all kinds of statistics that indicate we have built a very strong resilience in terms of national economy.

And when you talk in terms of benefit for the people, within three years, from 2009 to the end of 2011, our GNI (gross national income) per capita, it grew from US$6,670 to US$9,970. That's roughly a 49 per cent (increase). There is no country in the world that has achieved that kind of result.

So when we go the polls, when we seek fresh mandate from the rakyat, the people, we are going on a very, very solid track record. We can show to the people that we have actually delivered.

Host: What will be your main message to the voters?

Answer: My main message to the voters is that the best is yet to come. They can see for themselves (what has taken place) in the last four years. The achievements have been quite remarkable against the backdrop of a very uncertain global economy.

Despite the weak external economy, Malaysia actually bucked the trend. We are going into the elections based on a very, very sound track record and our message to the people is that look, we have done so much over the last four years; if you give us the mandate, I assure you that we'll do even better the next five years.

Bulbir Singh, Seremban: Whatever the others may say, I know you will win and win comfortably in the coming elections. How do you think Barisan Nasional will fare?

Answer: I would say that we are cautiously optimistic. When I say cautiously optimistic, because when we come to elections, we cannot take anything for granted. But I'm very encouraged by the fact that from the people's response, especially when I go round, I see them turning up in big numbers, I see them excited and looking forward to meeting me, shaking hands with me.

At the same time, we have done our assessments, numbers and we believe the rakyat is behind us and the rakyat feel that their future is more secure with Barisan Nasional.

Raziff Mohd Razalli, Penang: What are the steps taken by the government in terms of electoral reforms?

Answer: Let me say categorically, that elections in Malaysia have always been free and fair. If elections have not been free and fair, we wouldn't have lost the two-thirds majority at the last general election in 2008 and we wouldn't have lost the five states either.

And Kelantan as you know, has been under opposition rule for more than 20 years. Nevertheless, we are committed to strengthening the electoral process.

To that end, we have established an electoral select committee to strengthen the electoral process. We considered demands of various groups. And most of the demands have been met.

The demands by Bersih, for example, seven out of the eight demands have been met. For the first time, we will introduce indelible ink in the upcoming elections. For the first time, Malaysians living overseas will be allowed to vote and the Election Commission is scrutinising the electoral list to make it as accurate as possible.

So, I can assure you that the government is committed to strengthening the electoral process and will do whatever we can to ensure that objective will be met.

Syed Abdul Rahman Syed Atan, Johor Baru: Have you come up with the (BN) candidates' list and what are the criteria to enable one to be picked as a candidate?

Answer: (The list) Almost done but this candidates' list is... every time we look at it, we always want to make changes or put up a better candidate. I think this will go on until the last minute when the candidates' list is announced.

I think there will be little changes later but the basics are there. Most of the seats have been decided and the criteria is winnable candidates. In our opinion, whoever is categorised as a winnable candidate, we will announce them as our candidate.

However, we have to consider our component parties as we are a big family of 13 parties. We cannot fulfil everyone's expectations but the candidate has to meet our criteria and be accepted by the local people.

Host: What are the main lessons we can draw from the Lahad Datu episode?

Answer: Basically, we shouldn't take security for granted. I think we have gone through a long phase of peace and stability in Malaysia. The communists laid down their arms in 1989 and since then it has been a long period of peace and stability in Malaysia.

But that (Lahad Datu, Sabah) incident, in a way, is a wake-up call for us, not only for the government but also the rakyat, especially the people in Sabah... that there are external threats and that we must deal with the threats. We must be prepared.

We must make sure that the armed forces are well trained (and) that includes the police as well. Our security forces should be well trained and well equipped. And so, when we decide to spend on defence and security, including for the police, people should not question that but instead should see it as protecting our security, sovereignty and our territorial integrity.

And I keep on saying that when it comes to security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, there are no compromises. We are doing what we can to ensure Malaysians, in any part of the country, feel secure, safe and that their future is safeguarded by the government.

But at the same time, when it comes security, it should not be a role just for the security forces or the government but the rakyat, too. It is important for the rakyat to do their part and provide support for the men in uniform as well as to what the government is doing.

ISKANDAR Naziri, Sarikei, Sarawak: How far has the Sabah incident affected Malaysia's efforts in facilitating the peace process in southern Philippines?

Answer: Those two are quite separate because the peace process in southern Philippines is essentially between the Philippine government and the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). And the MILF continues with their discussions and negotiations within the context of framework agreement. So, within a certain time frame, they will reach a final agreement. But the group that is causing problem is the group that is different from the MILF.

(As you know) They have certain groupings there or warlords so to speak and that is the result of an outlandish claims by the Jamalul Kiram group. They are seeking something that we cannot concede to nor something we can recognise.

As a result, they have resorted to violence and that is unfortunate but we will deal with it in a way we think that is appropriate.

Host: Your take on foreign media claims that this group of Sulu terrorists have been instigated by groups that are anti-Aquino (referring to Philippines president Benigno Aquino III), pro-opposition and those paid to create trouble. You have said that both governments (Malaysia and Philippines) would investigate this. What is your next course of action?

Answer: We have to continue with the investigations. When I spoke to president Aquino, he told me that they would begin their investigations. He made some interesting remarks and said : "Look, these people (the terrorists) are quite poor, they certainly do not have the means to launch such an operation against Malaysia and so, he (Benigno) thinks that they are funded from somewhere."

There appear to be some strong suspicions but we need to investigate and have some evidence first before we can point fingers at anyone. So, we are at the stage of investigating (and) we will work closely with the Philippines government. We must get to the bottom of this.

Agatha Martha Yong, Keningau, Sabah: I would like to thank the government for the setting up of the Special Security Area in Sabah which I see as a good move. My question is can the public infrastructure be improved as well?

Answer: We must carry out both (SSA and (improvement to) public infrastructure). We are aware that Sabah needs additional allocations for basic infrastructure such as power and road network. And if we look from the aspect of the National Key Results Area, a large portion of the allocations for public amenities is for Sabah and Sarawak. So, there will be a balance in public amenities between Sabah, Sarawak and the peninsula.

Since Sabah is big, for sure, it will take time before we could put all the public infrastructure (in Sabah and Sarawak) to be on the same level as in the penisula. We are very committed and will continue to allocate large sums to improve the infrastructure in Sabah.

Host: In view of the recent armed intrusion, do our security forces have adequate capabilities and assets to safeguard the security of the nation?

Answer: Yes, they do. The assets that we have are sufficient but this is an on-going process. I think in terms of dealing with armed intrusion, we certainly have the assets.

But as I said, this is a wake-up call. There are gaps in terms of our capabilities but we hope we will be able to close the gaps. For example, the coastline of Sabah is simply enormous.

I mean the eastern seaboard, we are talking about 1,500km of coastline, is a huge area to cover. We certainly need to put in more assets (and) we certainly need to have a better surveillance system.

But no matter how strong a nation, like for example the United States, which shares a common border with Mexico, (it) cannot stop the Mexicans from crossing into the US.

Putting it into perspective, if you know the area, if you go and have a look on the ground and the situation in Sabah, then you will realise that it is a huge challenge.

Nevertheless, we have some ideas and we will certainly put in place a better surveillance system and tighten up the security in Sabah.

Host: Datuk Seri, the opposition in their recently-launched manifesto for the general election had promised that they will bring down the prices of cars. Do you think that this is only a gimmick?

Answer: I would also like to buy cheaper cars myself but it's a process that has to be seen in a realistic term. That's why the government has taken a step-by-step approach.

First of all, we have asked the companies to reduce the prices on a voluntarily basis and lately, for quite a number of models, the prices have actually dropped from RM3,000 to RM15,000. This is quite a significant reduction.

And according to our plans within the next five years after AFTA (Asean Free Trade Agreeement) kicks in and our Free Trade Agreement with Japan and Australia, the reduction in production cost for most foreign cars will be about 30 per cent.

Basically, Malaysians can look forward to cheaper cars but the same time, this approach has the advantage of not disrupting the second-hand car market and making Proton (national car) to be more competitive.

So, it will be a win-win situation and we believe that this is the way forward.

Sabariah Salman, Teluk Intan, Perak: The opposition's manifesto: abolish toll, reduce petrol price and free education, can these be achieved?

Answer: That's not all they have promised. They had made a lot of promises. That's just part of it. The hardest part to believe is their promise to increase household income to RM4,000 in five years' time. In their Buku Jingga, they had said two years but in their manifesto its five years.

Moreover, they also want to abolish toll, reduce petrol price, (give) free education and many other promises in the manifesto.

The question is, from where are they going to finance this? This was not stated in their manifesto. Many of their 2008 promises were not fulfilled. Many were just empty promises.

And even one of their leaders had said that manifestos are not promises. Based on their track record of 2008 manifesto, the confidence and trust are questionable, how and how far they will fulfil their promises.

The point is that it is not complete as it did not reveal how it's going to be achieved. Nothing is free in the world. There must be a party which will have to bear the cost for the abolishment and reduction.

Host: When will you launch BN's manifesto?

Answer: We will launch BN's manifesto at the right time, meaning not too soon and not too late, so that when we launch it, the rakyat will pay attention to it and we will have time to spread information about the manifesto. But I think, according to our plans, we will launch it after Parliament is dissolved.

Baharudin Mohd Shah, Subang Jaya: What is the government going to do about the issue of public transport?

Answer: We are doing it right now actually. As you know, we have a massive project, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) project, which is on schedule and within budget. We have implemented RapidKL, launched RapidPenang and RapidKuantan, our Light Rail Transit is picking up. So we believe that by embarking on this public transport system, we will provide the public with an alternative.

What the public wants is a public transport system that is reliable and affordable and the government is committed and in the next few years, we will see the government being able to deliver a public transport system meets the expectations of the people.

Nor Haslam Hamzah, Kuala Selangor: The Selangor state government seems to be shaky on the water issue, and will BN regain Selangor?

Answer: I hope so, too. We don't want power for the sake of it. In the past five years, we have seen that if the federal and state governments are not from the same party, problems may arise.

Problems that should not be politicised like water, where the (Ffederal) Government's intention to provide enough water with the Langat 2 project, which to date has yet to be given the development order by the state government.

(Now) we have to fork out RM600 million and another RM121 million just to look for a short term solution. But for the long term, we have to (carry out) the Langat 2 (water project).

If not, it will burden the people. And many projects are on hold now because of no guarantee in this water issue; the housing projects by private developers, investors opening factories, it's not certain (to take place).

This is making it difficult for the people and stunts the national development process.

That is why we are committed to work and hope that the rakyat will give us the confidence and trust that Selangor is too important to be left like this.

If we are given the mandate, God-willing, we will carry out development in line with the federal government.

Shah Raiduan Zaluha, Belawai, Sarawak: What is the government's commitment to ensuring vibrant economic growth?

Answer: By transforming the economy, in essence, our transformation agenda for the country is predicated on a clear way forward, a road map actually, which indicates clearly how we want to achieve the status of a fully developed economy, a high income economy by the year 2020.

That entails making the whole government process more efficient. For example, the World Bank has recognised us as a very competitive country, 25th in the world. Malaysia has been credited for being the 12th most efficient country in terms of ease of doing business. We are number one in terms of access to credit in the whole world. KL has become the fourth best city in terms of shopping destinations. There have been many accolades we have achieved within a short period of time. If we continue with this, I'm confident, God willing, we will achieve high income (nation status) by 2020 and realise our aspirations of being a fully developed nation.

Ali Kutty Mohamed, Kota Baru, Kelantan: People are saying BR1M (1Malaysia People's Aid) is just a temporary gimmick and a political one. We would like to know the reasons behind it.

Answer: I can assure you that this is part and parcel of our overall economic strategy new economic strategy for the country. As you know, we have been giving out a lot of subsidies in an indirect manner. For example, our petroleum subsidy. That costs us RM23 billion a year. And the other subsidies and incentives amount to RM30 billion a year. But by going through this route of indirect subsidies, there is a lot of wastage taking place. For example, when you give subsidy for petrol, people (in) the higher income bracket will also be able to avail themselves to that subsidy.

Foreigners, tourists and foreign workers will benefit from it. Not to mention, some of them will be selling diesel across the border. There is a lot of wastage that takes place because of subsidies which basically are not efficient and not targeted.

So, as a significant shift in our policy, we have gone for a more targeted, focussed subsidy. We have decided that people with income below RM3,000 will receive BR1M. And that's really the target group we want to assist. So by doing BR1M, even though there is BR1M 2.0, which is bigger than BR1M 1.0, the total cost is only about RM3 billion.

Compare that to the RM30 billion in terms of indirect subsidy and incentives. We believe BR1M is well received, it is fair and equitable, it helps the right people and so, we will continue with BR1M. BR1M is not an election gimmick, it is a deliberate shift in our economic strategy to be more targeted, focused.

In the future, when we continue with BR1M, we will see that we make adjustments in terms of the amount, depending on the affordability of the government, the level of income, all these things, we can compute. And there is also another argument in terms of economic impact. As you know, GDP or GNI increases. It's a combination of investment plus consumption, plus export minus import. When people get BR1M, they spend. So what happens (is that) the local economy gets a strong impetus. And that helps to fuel our economic growth.

So, you can see, in terms of being inclusive, helping the lower income group, BR1M is very effective and secondly, in terms of stimulating the economy. So the shopkeepers, the people who sell products, even petty traders, for example, will benefit from BR1M because when people get money, they go out and buy things and services that they require and services and that is good for the local and domestic economy.

Host: A reader from Sabah had asked if the government is doing anything about street crime?

Answer: Yes, we are committed to reducing crime but we did not promise that we will abolish or that we can do things that will abolish and reduce to zero crime in this country. We didn't promise that.

What we promised was a steady reduction of crimes in this country. And based on statistics, for example in 2009, the reported crime was at about 210,000 roughly. And in 2011, it went down to 160,000. And within the same period, snatch and street crimes came down as much as 40 per cent. But of course, you will hear your friends or family members or yourself, of situations of which you have been robbed or you know people who have experienced some sort of crime against them. That's because crime still takes place in this country. So, instead of arguing about statistics -- I don't think we want to engage in that kind of polemics -- what we need to do is to work closely together with the government, with the police, with law enforcement agencies, the private sector, local resident associations for example.

Help to reduce crime. For example, under the 2013 Budget, the government gave out quite a number of incentives so that people who invest in appliances and equipment to reduce crime, like CCTVs for example, will be able to get income tax reduction or corporate tax reduction.

This will help and if everybody pitches in and helps out, over time, you will see a reduction in crime rates. And, of course, there are new initiatives, like this patrol on motorcycles. We have approved 1,000 of them, to patrol the neighbourhoods and so forth. The government is thinking of new ways to combat crime. Yes. I would like to underscore that. The important thing is there must be a total effort by the rakyat to combat crime.

Amirul Fikri Mohd Zain, Terengganu: What is the government doing to check the brain drain, to woo back Malaysians working in Singapore? Answer: Since we launched the initiative, especially through TalentCorp, we found that between 2011 and 2012, (more than) 1,600 Malaysians overseas had returned home, as compared to the past 10 years where only 1,100 people had returned home. Based on the figures, the trend is encouraging. We also need to create jobs which give more reward because if our reward is not well balanced with the salary and rewards, like in Singapore and globally, because TalentCorp has no boundaries, it leans towards countries which offers better rewards.

If we are asking our Malaysians to return home, we must provide challenges or better opportunities than before. This is what we will do. We can give opportunities for Malaysians to come back and serve the country. I hope in the process of us moving to a high income and developed nation, more Malaysians will decide to come back.

Host: What are your plans, sir, for the Indian community in terms of economy, social status and leadership?

Answer: We recognise the contribution of the Indian community. For example, they worked our estates and made Malaysia the number one rubber producer in the world. They worked in our railways, in JKR (Public Works Department) for example, so they played their part in the development of Malaysia and we must recognise that.

The estate communities, the new generation, they want to leave the estates and so, we need to have a programme to manage this kind of urbanisation or the movement from the estate to the urban areas. Having recognised this, the government has undertaken a number of new initiatives, for example, more places for Indians in the universities. We announced matriculation programmes specifically for Indians -- 1,500 places. It used to be 500, we increased it by 1,000 more places.

I launched this programme in Port Dickson last week, this programme which gives more places for Indians in polytechnics, for example. Indians who otherwise would not be able to get diplomas and later on, degree programmes.

We have given out micro-credit, for example, for small businesses, micro-enterprises, through Tekun for example, through Amanah Iktihar Malaysia. We have given more money to Indian schools because the achievement of Indian students in Tamil schools must be increased so that they will be able to have better opportunities in the future.

We have increased the allocation for Indians in terms of skills training. We have done many things and this has been recognised by the Indian community and I use the Indian word nambikei. Nambikei in Tamil means having the confidence and trust. And if the Indian community gives us the confidence and trust, I'm sure we can do even more for the Indian community in the future.

Host: If BN is given a strong mandate in the coming general election, what will be your focus in making Malaysia a better place to live, work and do business?

Answer: I like to use the word "when" (instead of "if"). Insyaallah, when we get a fresh mandate from the rakyat, I would like to approach it with all humility. I'm not taking things for granted at all. I'm not just saying that the people must or will. I'm presenting a compelling case to the rakyat. I'm telling the rakyat, look, we need a strong government in this country. We cannot afford to have instability.

Instability will come from a weak government, and all the good things we have done, all the achievements we were able to deliver for 50 years, can evaporate in a short period of time.

This is not the time to experiment. This is the time for us to put our faith in a government that has a solid track record, a government that has a very clear plan for the future and a government which is able to deliver. We cannot gamble on the opposition because they don't have a common platform, they have different ideologies, dramatically opposing ideologies from one party to another and of course, fundamentally, they are not even registered as a political party.

They are standing on three different platforms, three different symbols. And even the question of who should lead the party in the event that they be able to form the government is open to a lot of uncertainties because they have not decided in terms of finality of who is to be their leader. So, my message to the people of Malaysia is we have a bright future.

Host: When you think of the rakyat and the nation, what comes to your mind and heart?

Answer: I think of the future of Malaysia and the rakyat all the time. As you know, I have put my heart and soul into the job. I have never worked so hard like I have done (since becoming prime minister).

And I believe we can do so much for Malaysia. We can bring Malaysia to greater heights, the potential for Malaysia is simply enormous. And that is why I'm seeking a strong mandate from the people.

- New Straits Times