‘EX-LEADER WILL NOT SUCCEED’
He is trying to force abrupt change and discredit the present leadership, says Najib
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak yesterday took a swipe at one of his predecessors for trying to force abrupt changes on the people.
In an apparent jab at Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, he said a certain leader would not succeed in his bid to force change and discredit the present leadership of Malaysia.
But Najib praised former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his continuous support of the government.
“I would like to express my appreciation to Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
“He is a very supportive immediate predecessor, unlike another predecessor who wanted to force disruptive change.
“He will not succeed because Sarawak is not for him,” he said during the opening of the 13th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF).
Abdullah, who is WIEF founder, was among local and international leaders at the forum, themed “Disruptive Change: Impact and Challenge”.
Though Najib did not name Dr Mahathir, it is understood he was taking a swipe at the Pakatan Harapan chairman.
Najib, who is also finance minister, took the opposition to task when he explained the reason behind the government’s move to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) two years ago.
“Those in the opposition who say they want to get rid of the GST are deceiving the people and deploying fantasy economics.
“In the 21st century, governments and countries cannot just stand still and carry on doing things the old way.
“Responsible governments must change policies, as circumstances change, for the wellbeing of the people.”