The outcome of the Sarawak state election will set the tone for the next general election, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak.
Speaking at a community gathering in Miri, Najib said that with no elections taking place elsewhere, all eyes will be trained on Sarawak.
"The state election this time is very significant as it determines the direction that Sarawak and Malaysia is heading.
"Even though there is no general election yet, the state election results will be important for Barisan Nasional in the rest of the country.
"Barisan needs a full mandate from Sarawak. I am sure the people of Sarawak realise that we have done a lot for them and will continue to do even more.
"I have come to Sarawak 49 times already, and not just because of state elections.
"I sincerely want to see Sarawak's development catch up with the other states in the peninsula," he said.
Najib advised Sarawakians not to be taken in by calls from certain groups out to topple the Government, warning that there would be chaos if force were used.
He pointed out the governmental instability of countries affected by the Arab Spring.
"Those countries that saw the Arab Spring are now in chaos, with government leadership in disarray. Nothing good came out from that," he said, adding that nothing beneficial would come out of any so-called citizen's declaration as well.
Najib praised Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem for having done a good job in governing Sarawak.
He said the Federal Government would listen to him and accommodate his requests concerning issues important to Sarawakians if given a full mandate.staronline