PM: 1MDB has done its fair share of good

People just unaware of its contributions, says Najib

PUTRAJAYA: 1MDB has contributed to the people in many ways which they are unaware of, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said despite criticisms and a negative perception, 1MDB has financed haj pilgrims, built houses and sponsored students’ education.

During disasters such as floods, 1MDB came forward to help in relief efforts.

“All these were not mentioned. Not everything about 1MDB is bad or negative.

“In fact, it has done its fair share of good,” he said at an event to hand over offer letters to 1,100 imam, village heads and community leaders to perform the haj.

Under the Prime Minister’s special haj programme which started in 2011, the company spent RM57mil to finance 5,700 people to perform the haj.

He took a swipe at those who used issues related to 1MDB in their attempt to bring down the Government.

“This is not right. People, including a former prime minister, who want to pursue this are not doing the right thing,” he said in reference to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticisms against the Government.

“I hope those who have benefited from programmes and sponsorships by 1MDB will help spread information about the good work it has done,” Najib said.

Later at an event in Dengkil, Najib impressed the crowd with his Tamil as he assured the Indian community that it will benefit from the Malaysian Indian Blueprint.

He said the plan was not merely vetti pecchi (empty talk) but a genuine effort to ensure inclusivity.

“The plan is in fact nijjam or a reality as the Government takes on various initiatives to boost the community’s well-being,” he said at the launch of a book titled 200 Years of Tamil Education in Malaysia at SJK(T) Taman Permata.

Najib said MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam was tasked to look into the implementation of the blueprint.

Since Najib took over the country’s leadership in 2009, he has approved RM900mil for the development of Tamil schools nationwide.

The Prime Minister said more Tamil schools would be built to meet the community’s needs.

“In the last general election, I promised to build six schools.

“Four are already under construction; one will start next month and another at the end of the year.

“Barisan Nasional has delivered its promise,” he said.

Najib posing for a group photograph with future pilgrims after handing over offer letters to perform the haj, at the Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin mosque in Putrajaya. Huge turnout: