Malaysia PM vows ‘no surrender’
NAJEEB REFUSES TO GIVE IN TO UNNAMED ‘TRAITORS’ SEEKING HIS REMOVAL OVER FUNDING SCANDAL
Malaysian Prime Minister Najeeb Razzak yesterday defiantly rejected calls to step down over a political funding scandal as the ruling party doubled down on its support for him in the face of an uncertain electoral outlook.
Najeeb vowed not to give in to unnamed “traitors” seeking his removal, as he addressed the annual assembly of the ruling United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), the most closely watched in years due to the current tumult.
“Even though there are traitors, and no matter how many times we are pushed to the ground, there shall be no retreat, no surrender,” Najeeb told the assembly in Kuala Lumpur, in a speech that drew a standing ovation from more than 2,000 delegates clad in the party’s red colours.
Conscience ‘clear’
Najeeb’s troubles have raised new questions over whether UMNO — which has ruled since independence 58 years ago but faces declining support — can survive the next elections due by 2018 with his brand now tainted.
It was revealed in July that Najeeb received nearly $700 million (Dh2.57 billion) in what the government calls “political donations.” Najeeb has resisted calls to explain the money’s source and purpose.
The discovery came as he was battling separate allegations that hundreds of millions of dollars were missing from deals involving a state firm he launched, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).
Najeeb, 62, made only passing reference to the affair in his speech, saying he had briefed party leaders on the matter. He offered no new details.
Earlier in the week he said his conscience was “clear”.
Malaysia’s anti-graft agency said it interviewed Najeeb last week over the allegations, but it also gave no details.
Both Najeeb and 1MDB vehemently deny wrongdoing, but critics, including former strongman premier Mahathir Mohamad, say Najeeb has abused his office to cow whistle-blowers and hobble investigations, and should face a criminal probe.
On Monday, party vice president Muhyiddin Yassin, sacked as deputy prime minister by Najeeb in July for demanding answers in the scandal, urged the premier to leave office until investigations are completed.
Najeeb’s troubles have raised new questions over whether UMNO — which has ruled since independence 58 years ago but faces declining support — can survive the next elections due by 2018 with his brand now tainted.