In his maiden trip to Permatang Pauh, the stronghold of PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said he came to see if voters are ready for a change.
Najib said time has "stood still" in Permatang Pauh, held by PKR since 1999, that the constituency has not seen any development or progress.
"However, with 21,000 participants at this event today, I can see that the people of Permatang Pauh welcome the programme organised by Umno," Najib said during his speech after joining tens of thousands of people for a record-breaking feast at the Seberang Perai Polytechnic in Bukit Mertajam.
He praised Permatang Pauh Umno chief Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said, saying "he has passed with flying colours" for organising the successful event, the turnout of which was initially expected to be 15,000.
According to Najib, Permatang Pauh has always been a BN seat since 1968, until it was lost to Anwar in 1999 after the former deputy prime minister was sacked from his post by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
"But even though voters do not choose us, I feel proud to say that Umno has not given up hope on Permatang Pauh.
"Umno has continued to provide services to the people, much effort has been put in by the party to improve the lives of people, as many have approached Umno for help.
"And I have approved projects requested by Zaidi, and I congratulate him for working hard for all races," said Najib.
He then asked if the crowd has seen their MP, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, in the constituency.
"MPs should not just be a symbol but must provide service to their constituents, must make things better for their voters.
"Those in politics should ensure their areas should be better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today.
"If not, who loses? Hangpa yang rugi (You all lose), and they are the ones who gain," he told the crowd.
Najib also announced RM45 million to build a full fledged Islamic school in Permatang Pauh.
Today's event made it into "The Malaysia Book of Records", as the crowd of 21,380 people had nasi kandar lunch while sitting cross legged under tents put up at the venue.
However, it is unclear how many participants of the event were Permatang Pauh voters, as several buses were seen ferrying people to the event from Kepala Batas and Nibong Tebal, this morning.
The crowd also comprised of civil servants, kindergarten students and teachers, as well as educators and students from the polytechnic. - Mkini
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