Najib in Perth for physio-therapy

Najib Tun Razak is undergoing intensive treatment at a hospital, says the Prime Minister's Office in a bid to dispel rumours about the 'missing' prime minister.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak is in Perth, Australia, for a physio-therapy session after his knee operation.

In a bid to clear the air over the “missing” prime minister, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that Najib went abroad for the treatment since it was the only time he had during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Merdeka Day public holidays.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the short break would enable him to undergo an intensive therapy which was needed after he had his knee operation.

“Australia, as everyone knows, is known for her sports therapy and the prime minister is there for that purpose,” the statement added.

The PMO released the statement following a report in the Malaysiakini news portal that questions Najib’s absence after the first day of Hari Raya.

The news portal reported that by being away on an overseas holiday on an auspicious day such as National Day, Najib has opened himself to attack at a time when opposition leaders are criticised for being unpatriotic for allegedly questioning the role of certain national heroes.

The portal also quoted an e-mail from its reader saying he believes that the prime minister is in Perth since a private jet meant for Najib landed there on Aug 31.

The PMO statement said Najib took the opportunity to undergo the therapy session given there was no National Day celebration and that the whole country was on leave.

“Since the National Day celebration is fixed on Sept 16, together with Malaysia Day, the prime minister took the opportunity to undergo daily therapy session in a hospital in Perth as the place is known for its excellent treatment of sports injury.

“Today, the prime minister is also scheduled to meet Malaysian students studying in Perth for Hari Raya celebration,” the statement added.