Najib a 'reformer' with much to do, says Obama

US President Barack Obama has opined that Malaysia should undergo more reforms and Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak was committed to doing so.

 

During their joint press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon, Obama was asked by CBS if the US will use its "prestige" to speak out on human rights, racial tolerance, political accountability and free speech.

 

"Well, first of all, Major, I think it’s important to note that there is not a meeting I have around the world where issues of freedom of the press, human rights, civil liberties aren’t prominent on the agenda.  And that includes my meeting with Prime Minister Najib.

 

"And I think when you say that issues are all 'up for grabs' in Malaysia, I think that implies a judgment about what’s happening here in Malaysia that may not fully reflect the progress that's been made by Prime Minister Najib, but also the recognition I think by the Malaysian government that there’s more work that needs to be done," he said.

 

Describing Najib as a "reformer", Obama said that he will continue to "encourage" the former as a friend and partner to make sure there is progress. 

 

"What I have shared with the Prime Minister is the core belief that societies that respect rule of law, that respect freedom of speech, that respect the right of opposition to oppose even when it drives you crazy, even when it’s inconvenient, the  respect for freedom of assembly, the respect for people of different races and different faiths and different political philosophies.

 

"Those values are at the core of who the US is, but also I think are a pretty good gauge of whether a society is going to be successful in the 21st century or not," he added.

Najib: Society must be prepared for change

 

The same journalist had also asked Najib if he had made any commitments to the US on political reforms, to which the latter said he had introduced a "slew of reforms" such as abolishing the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA).

 

"Now, other countries have not done so, but Malaysia has taken the lead in doing so.  We’ve also introduced the Peaceful Assembly Act -- the right to protest, the right to assemble.

 

"And within this spirit, it would be fair to say that this is the largest or the biggest reform in terms of civil liberties in Malaysia’s history.  So in that, I think you should not underestimate or diminish whatever we have done," he said.

 

Although Najib had abolished the ISA and Emergency Ordinance, two Emergency-era laws which allowed for detention without trial, he introduced amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 and the new Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) which contained elements similar to the abolished laws.

 

However, Najib concurred with Obama that more needs to be done, but warned that society must be "prepared for change".

 

"Because what is important is the end result.  And the end result, as the prime minister, of this country, I’m committed to ensure peace, stability and harmony.  That is the most important thing. 

 

"And people must respect that, because there are sensitivities on either side, sensitivities relating to minorities and majority as well.

 

"So we have to manage that, and that’s exactly what Malaysia has done.  And because of that, we are a relatively peaceful, harmonious nation.  Thank you," he said.