Najib waiting for MB’s report on unfolding political crisis

JAKARTA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak says he will be monitoring developments in the unfolding political crisis in Terengganu.

The Prime Minister gave the assurance that the situation would be dealt with in a way that would not burden the people in the state.

Najib, who is on a three-day working visit here, told the media that he was also expecting a report from Terengganu Mentri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman.

“We will tackle the political situation in Terengganu so that the people in the state will not be inconvenienced,” he said.

He said the Barisan Nasional assemblymen had made a pledge to support the coalition and the question of an election would depend on the discipline of these assemblymen.

Meanwhile, in Kuala Terengganu, Ahmad Razif issued an emotional statement late in the day to answer some issues that his detractors had levelled against him.

He said he was not a superman nor did he possess a magical lamp which could perform miracles.

“To my party colleagues who are not satisfied with my leadership, I understand and respect your stand but I have the right to defend myself and fight for what is right.

“I know my friends and enemies in politics and I want to be open in finding the best way to resolve the problems,” he said.

He said the “mother of all the problems” stemmed from Barisan winning only 17 seats in the 2013 general election, down from 24 seats in 2008, and the present government was struggling to shoulder the burden left behind by the former mentri besar.

“All of a sudden, the former mentri besar behaves like he is trying to save the party. Instead of creating havoc, it is best that he joins in and helps to stabilise Umno in the state and make preparations for the 14th general election,” he said.

On the withdrawal of his state titles by the Sultan, Ahmad Razif said it was the right of the Ruler.

“Each incident has its own silver lining. It made me realise that I have been given ‘a second chance’ by God to survive in the world of politics. I will use that for the benefit of the people of Terengganu,” he said.

He added that the Sultan and the party president had the last say on the mentri besar post.

He also said that those trying to oust him under a group known as gelombang kuning or yellow wave were not showing respect to the Palace and the party president.