Najib: New govt’s policies ‘regressive’
IN his first speech as an opposition MP, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak spoke about a number of key issues and called Pakatan Harapan’s policies “regressive”, while steering clear of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) topic.
“If we look at the policies of the new government, are we returning to a bygone era with their ‘New Malaysia’?” he said during the motion of thanks on the royal address in Parliament yesterday.
The Pekan MP also said certain economic policies that were adopted during his term had made the economy strong and resilient and the Pakatan Harapan government inherited the benefits of a strong economy.
He also said there will definitely be price hikes when the Sales and Service Tax (SST) is implemented in September.
“Prices had stabilised without the abolition of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Although Najib had earlier invoked Standing Order 37 to prevent interruptions from the floor during his debate, R.S.N. Rayer (PH-Jelutong) stood up to demand an explanation over the 1MDB scandal, amid heckles and jeers from other lawmakers.
Speaker Datuk Mohamad Arif Md Yusof reminded Rayer that he had to abide by House rules.
Najib said under Barisan Nasional, Felda settlers enjoyed benefits, including windfalls and bonuses.
“But after the new government took over, settlers were given less Hari Raya bonus, there were late payments and promises were not kept,” he said.
“In their manifesto, they said they will cancel debts of Felda within 100 days but this has yet to be implemented.”
He also denied allegations that he planned to declare a state of emergency on May 9, adding that he has always been a believer in democracy and the rule of law.
“The shift of power after the elections was peaceful, these rumours about me calling for a state of emergency are unfounded,” he said.