KOTA KINABALU: Support from the rural people make up the core strength of the ruling Barisan Nasional government, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

This, he said, is why the rural community will always be given priority by the government.

Najib was speaking at the launch of the Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) triennial delegates conference, here today.

Also present was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman as well as PBRS president and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup.

PBRS is the smallest among the 13 component parties within the BN coalition.

Najib noted that it was not the size of the party that matters but its dedication.

“The loyalty and commitment to the BN is what matters, not the size of the party.

This principle has allowed the coalition move forward through thick and thin,” he said.

To assert his point, Najib said the government had agreed to reclassify Sabah and Sarawak native communities in the race columns instead of only using the category “lain lain”, as a sign of respect for the people.

“Goodwill among all 13 parties under the BN umbrella will only bring a good outcome and this is why it demand us to meet and interact often,” he said.

The prime minister also said all these are focused towards ensuring the ruling coalition remains strong and relevant for the people.

The prime minister also took to task several quarters who continued to question the government’s move to offer the 1Malaysia People’s Aid (BR1M) to the lower income group.

He said such financial measures are not only done here, but also in high income nations such as Singapore.-nst