Thursday August 28, 2008 MYT 3:26:55 PM

Najib hopes Anwar will help Govt develop the nation

By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: It is hoped that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's return to Parliament will contribute towards the country's democratic process, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said he also hoped Anwar would help the Government in its efforts to develop the nation.

"We accept that he won. We respect the decision of the people and admit that the opposition parties within PKR have chosen him as Opposition Leader," he said.

He was speaking to reporters Thursday after launching the Wakaf al-Quran programme and Salam Ramadhan at the Federal Territory Mosque here.

Najib said Barisan would have to study the sentiment of voters in Permatang Pauh in detail.

When asked to comment on Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s remark that he was afraid that the declining popularity of Barisan within five months of the general election occurred not only in Permatang Pauh but was also a trend in other constituencies, he said:

"Let it be. There are all sorts of conclusions to it. We will conduct a post mortem,” he said

On whether Anwar’s comeback would affect Umno’s elections, he said: "It has nothing to do with the party polls.”

Earlier, Najib said the Government would ensure that administration of religion and endowed property for the benefit of the public was well organised, respected and emulated by others.

He also reminded Muslims in the country to be aware that mewakafkan harta (endowing their property) was a medium to carry out their social responsibility to help other disadvantaged Muslims.

He added Muslim minority should be helped in various ways including supplying al-Quran and sending al-Quran teachers to guide them.