Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has pledged to continue with his responsibilities of running the country and doing what is the best for the people, to ensure that Malaysia can achieve its planned developed nation status by 2020.

Najib said he was very touched and grateful for the support shown by various parties towards his leadership, especially at a time when he was faced with numerous allegations and challenges.

"Do not be worried or upset. Not all the news that your read is authentic or accurate. As prime minister, I know my responsibilities to the people and the country.

"I will not disappoint the people, and continue administering the government with the best interests of the people in mind, and ensure Malaysia achieves  developed nation status," he said.

Najib said this at an aid distribution ceremony for senior citizens at Masjid Kampung Paloh Hinai, near Pekan in Pahang yesterday.

Reducing the urban-rural gap

He said the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) has already been tabled, and essentially, the plan was to continue the development and well-being of the B40 group (the 40 percent of Malaysians in the lower income group), and not to allow the financial gap to widen.

The government, he said, always strived to reduce the gap between urban and rural areas by implementing various development programmes, to ensure that the benefits can be enjoyed by all.

Najib also said that though he was busy with his duties as the leader of the country, he had never for a moment forgotten the people of Pekan.

He said he constantly monitored the development there and received reports from the grassroots on things to be considered and paid attention to in the area.

"As Pekan MP, I have promised that I will undertake a heavy responsibility, besides being the prime minister... I do not take lightly or marginalise my duties towards you, ladies and gentlemen," he said.

Traditional villages such as Paloh Hinai also held values that were close to his heart, Najib added, as the people in the area were ardent supporters of the government since the time of his father, Abdul Razak Hussein, who was Malaysia's second prime minister.

- Bernama