Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has fired a salvo at his former mentor turned nemesis Dr Mahathir Mohamad and other critics of 1MDB without mentioning names.
Speaking at a mosque in Putrajaya after presenting offer letters to 1,100 individuals to perform the haj with 1MDB funds, the prime minister touched on the criticism towards the firm, whose transactions have become the subject of various international investigations and court action.
Najib pointed out that a portion of 1MDB's revenue is used for various initiatives to help the people, which range from housing to education.
In view of this, the prime minister said these efforts should not be ruined based on the assumptions of individuals, whom he described as “tidak boleh pakai sama sekali” (useless).
Meanwhile, Najib also emphasised the importance of imams and village development and safety (JKKK) heads to correct the misconceptions regarding 1MDB at the grassroots level.
“Because of this, when people criticise 1MDB, we as leaders must understand.
“A portion of 1MDB's profits is used for welfare programmes, but this is not mentioned (by the critics),” he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
Najib also said 1MDB's haj sponsorship would continue if the current government remains in power.
“I hope those of you who will be performing the haj will pray for the country and for the current leadership to be maintained to ensure the continuation of this welfare programme,” he added.
Najib said despite the negative remarks of certain quarters, including a former prime minister, 1MDB has managed to sponsor 5,711 haj pilgrims over the past five years at a cost of RM57 million.
Mahathir has repeatedly accused Najib of siphoning funds from 1MDB, which the prime minister has denied.
Najib has also been cleared of any wrongdoing by attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali.
The prime minister has accused Mahathir and those aligned to him of plotting to topple him from power.- Mkini
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