The Barisan Nasional (BN) is capable of a significant victory in the 13th general election in comparison to the previous one in 2008, according to former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

He stressed however that the efforts and hard work by BN leaders in their service to the population must be continuous.

abdullah ahmad badawi pm pc 160908 01 "It is important that the winnable candidate is highly dedicated in serving the people," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today after opening the national seminar on achievements of post-merdeka Muslims.

Also present at the function attended by more than 200 participants was Malaysian Institute of Islamic Understanding (Ikim) director-general Nik Mustapha Nik Hassan.

On opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's challenge to Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for a debate, Abdullah said it "was not something that decides the election".

"A debate doesn't solve problems. What is more important is that the government is able to contribute to the people through implementation of programmes," he said.

- Bernama