SANDAKAN: Malaysia stands to lose internationally if people opt for the Opposition, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He said there was a big risk factor in supporting the Opposition as they have plans to review the contracts and projects awarded to companies owned by the Chinese government, such as the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL).

Najib added that any cancellation of the contracts will sour relations with the Chinese government and may result in economic retaliation by them.

"The impact could be far reaching, as China could retaliate and stop buying our palm oil, birds nest and also quit sending tourists to Sabah," he said in explaining that a tiff between China and South Korea saw the latter's tourism industry take a dip.

"We will suffer. We must be calm and rational in selecting the party come May 9," he said here Monday (April 30) while making his first trip to Sabah after Nomination Day, in order to shore up support for Barisan candidates in the state.

He also said that economic success depends on political stability.

"Stability doesn't mean a weak government, it means a strong Barisan government, which will deliver economic success. Our track record speaks for itself," he said.

Najib said with a strong mandate, the ringgit will strengthen, adding that the global prediction is that the ringgit will bounce back to between RM3.70 and RM3.80 against the US dollar this year.

"We must maintain a good relationship with China, the United States and other countries to benefit us. What happens if they become hostile to us? What is the benefit to us?" said Najib.