It may have been intentional or otherwise, but former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s reference last night to a “donation” given by foreign donors is undeniably fitting.
This came as Saudi Arabia's King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud arrives in Malaysia today with his 600-strong delegation comprising members of the royal family and cabinet ministers.
Mahathir, at an event organised by his party Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) in Sungai Buloh last night, had as usual hit out against his number one enemy, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Mahathir said despite various allegations thrown against Najib, the latter could still go “he he he”, eliciting laughter to the onomatopoeic joke.
This, he added, would lead foreign leaders visiting the country to assume that alleged misdeeds by the premier were acceptable.
Mahathir however admitted that everyone knew the reason behind foreign leaders visiting Malaysia.
“I don’t have to mention it here, but they come not because of friendship but because there is something that Najib can give them, that’s why they are here.
“It’s unfortunate, because they should be explaining that the donation they gave was not true - that there are no documents showing that the money was given for free.
“But that’s how it has become - they are willing to lie together with Najib,” said Mahathir in his speech to the some 1,000 audience comprising Bersatu members and supporters.
Asked by the media later whether he had meant the Saudi king, Mahathir, in his usual coy manner said, “I didn’t say anything, you said it.”
Seven months after The Wall Street Journal in July 2015 revealed that RM2.6 billion had been deposited into Najib’s bank accounts, attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali declared the money to be a donation from the Saudi Arabian royal family and hence above board.
Apandi also claimed investigations showed the money had been returned to the donors.
Meanwhile, King Salman is set to be welcomed at Parliament Square today. This is the monarch’s inaugural state visit to Malaysia since his ascension to the throne in 2015.
Invited by Yang di-Pertuan Agong XV Sultan Muhammad V, Malaysia is also his first visit to an Islamic country in the region, as well as the first to South-East Asia since ascending the throne.
Najib in a statement on Friday said King Salman’s visit to Malaysia “reaffirmed a partnership and brotherhood built on mutual trust and respect”.- Mkini
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