PM Najib: Stop slandering, I want to take us to a better place

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has called on Malaysians to cease engaging in bickering and slandering.

Such actions, he said, only serve to distract from efforts to make Malaysia a developed nation.

"This goal is clear. And as prime minister, everyday, I focus my energy and efforts to move Malaysia towards this objective (of becoming a developed nation).

"This destination promises a better life for all. Do not pay attention to matters that will distract us from fulfilling this vision.

"Stop the quarrels (perbalahan), stop spreading and believing in slander and stop from doing things that are not beneficial," he added in a blog post.

Imparting his advice, Najib said there must be struggles in life, be it for family, religion, race or country.

"When the struggle bears fruit, then only are our lives meaningful," he added.

Najib said one example is the Alliance under Umno achieving independence for the country.

"After we achieved independence, our struggle now is to develop and modernise the country and achieve the status of a developed nation by 2020," he added.

The prime minister urged Malaysians to remain united to make this vision come true.

Najib's advice comes amid a split in Umno over scandals he is facing.

They include the discovery of RM2.6 billion in his personal bank accounts and his handling of 1MDB which is struggling to repay its US$11 billion (RM45 billion) in debt.

Najib has denied any wrongdoing. -Mkini