Don't try to claim credit for Petronas' success, Najib told

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak should not try to claim credit for the hard work and success of Petronas, said PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli.

Rafizi said this in reference to Saudi Aramco's agreement to invest RM31 billion in the Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project in Pengerang, Johor.

"I am raising this to counter Najib's attempt to politicise and steal Petronas' success in finalising the joint-venture with the Saudi Arabia state-owned oil company, as if it was Najib's personal success.

"The attempt to liken national success to his personal success as prime minister is similar to likening criticism against him to criticism against the country.

"The ones that should receive praise for the joint-venture and securing the investment is the leadership of Petronas, Petronas Cari Gali and thousands of Petronas workers that have built Petronas into one of the largest petrochemical company in Asia," said Rafizi in a statement..

Rafizi, who was a Petronas executive himself, said those willing to invest in Rapid were confident of the long-term profitability and not who is the prime minister of the day.

Last Saturday, Najib claimed the Saudi Aramco deal almost fell apart due to negative news about the country by those who were "unpatriotic".

Najib said Saudi Aramco only agreed to invest after it was provided with the right information.

Saudi Arabia King Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud had visited Malaysia last month, when the investment was also announced.

Rafizi also criticised the prime minister for trying to paint concerns raised by the opposition about corruption as an act of economic sabotage.

"I condemn the clear attempt by Najib to equate himself with the nation," he said.- Mkini