Najib urges Gerakan to be courageous (Updated)

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak today called on Gerakan party members to have courage in their convictions.
Imparting this message via a video recording at Menara PGRM this morning, Najib who is on an official visit to Thailand said, he was confident that under the current leadership of president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Kiong, the party's performance in the upcoming General Election can be improved.
In addressing the 1,200 delegates at the two-day 45th Gerakan National Delegates' Conference themed "Unite for Progress and Prosperity', Najib advised the party to be public-friendly and ensure it has a cohesive and organised work structure.
He also advised all party members to continue working hard to garner grassroot support for the party and Barisan Nasional.
"We have to deflect the oppositions accusations which often twists issues and spoil the country's good image," said Najib.
Through sincere cooperation, he said, BN will continue to be successful in leading Malaysia towards greater success.
Meanwhile, Mah said the party will adhere to the Prime Minister's advise and work hard to win seats in the general election.
Mah also stressed that action should be taken against those who disrupt the nation's peace and harmony, irrespective whether it is is red, yellow or green coloured shirts.
"It does not matter who they are, whether they are Gerakan, DAP, PAS or Umno members. Whoever causes trouble to the people, action must be taken. It doesn't matter if they are red, yellow or green," he said when addressing the delegates.
He was referring to the unrest that happened during the Bersih rally on Saturday where videos of the Red Shirts assaulting a Bersih 2.0 member went viral.
The harmony which has been built over the years can be destroyed in a moment, he added.
He also called for all political parties, friends and foes alike to join Gerakan for a moderate Malaysia.
Touching on higher education scholarships that is now scarce, Mah said, the Government should set up a national scholarship for all Malaysians based solely on merit and not ethnicity.
This scholarship would be funded through a 1% tax increase on wealthy citizens and companies.
"Although this may not be popular, we suggest the 1% tax increase be imposed on all Malaysian citizens with an income of more than RM1 million and companies with a revenue of more than RM300 million in order to pay for the scholarship," he said.
Mah said this would stop the 'brain drain' and more scholars can get an opportunity to pursue their ambitions.