MIRI: Sarawak can expect prime minister designate Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak to be action-driven and focused in tackling the economic slowdown and other major issues affecting the state and country.

OVER TO YOU: Dr Chan presents a cheque to Wan Morshidi (fourth left) representing Miri Malay Association. Among those present are (from left) Mayor Lawrence Lai and Pujut assemblyman Andy Chia.

Deputy Chief Minister and SUPP president Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam said his personal experience with Najib in various portfolios, including the latter’s stint as education minister indicated a proactive leadership.

“From my personal experience, I got a reply from him as deputy prime minister and minister of finance within a week after I sent him a letter, and this shows,” he said when met at SUPP headquarters here after presenting RM163,000 worth of Minor Rural Project funds to 27 organisations here yesterday.

The team of Umno leaders elected in the just concluded party elections with Najib taking over the presidency uncontested, subsequent to assuming the top post as prime minister, indicated that it would be a performance-oriented and inclusive approach.

Dr Chan is optimistic that Najib has a good team in Umno, consisting of a mixture of experienced leaders and new blood, which is a good start for the future prime minister when he takes over from Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“He has already got aggressive plans for the country to tackle the present difficulties, and for the future, and a lot of things will be happening soon as spelt out in his 100-day pledge,” he said.

He added that SUPP fully supported Najib as prime minister, as he has an inclusive approach for BN component parties to be involved in governance.

“We see him as one who is fair to all races and citizens as he believes in power-sharing. I am sure that all BN component parties share this view,” he said.

On another subject, Dr Chan believed that the BN would win the Batang Ai by-election on April 7.

Former Lubok Antu MP Jawah Gerang is the PKR candidate taking on BN newcomer Malcom Mussen Lamoh.

Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud will be leading thousands of BN supporters including Umno vice-president Datuk Shafiee Apdal to accompany Mussen to the nomination centre today.