Chin Peng’s ashes: Najib says, sue us

PM Najib says his government has made a decision and he welcomed critics to challenge it in court.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today welcomed Chin Peng sympathisers to legally challenge the government’s decision of barring the latter’s remains from entering Malaysia should they feel the government has got no legal rights to do so.

“The government has made a decision. If they (critics) are unhappy about it, they can challenge it,” he told a media conference today.

Najib was responding to a FMT report which quoted several legal experts as saying that the ashes of Chin Peng was his family’s individual property, should the former Communist Party of Malaya secretary-general be cremated.

They said the family of Chin Peng can claim their right based on common law, and bring back Chin Peng’s ashes as their wish.

The 88-year-old Chin Peng died in Bangkok on Monday. The Malaysian government had denied Chin Peng’s request to enter Malaysia previously, and stands firm in its decision not to even allow his ashes in.

Najib also rejected claims of the government violating the Hatyai Peace Accord 1989, saying that it was Chin Peng who had relinquished his rights of returning to Malaysia.

Under the tripartite agreement, CPM members who laid down their arms were allowed to return to Malaysia if they wanted to.

Najib said he has checked the documents and found out that it was Chin Peng who had not filed his application to come home within the one-year window after the treaty was signed.

“He did not apply. So it lapsed. On humanitarian grounds, I realised there were many different opinions in the country.

“We must not forget the victims of communist terror. They are very emotional about the many people who have died and wounded. There is a great emotional outpouring against bringing his body to be buried here,” he said.

When asked about Chin Peng’s contribution of fighting the Japanese and British for the country, Najib said it has been outweighed by the killings Chin Peng and his comrades committed later.

Going for the president’s post
Meanwhile, Najib who is also the Umno president, has announced his intention to defend his party post, saying that the grassroots were in favour of him assuming the post for another term.

When asked whether he expects challengers, Najib said: “we will wait until Saturday and your question would be answered in due course.”

Asked again whether he has met Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir who is said to be interested in contesting for the vice-president’s post, Najib said: “I have met many people.”

This Saturday is the deadline for Umno Youth, Wanita Umno and Puteri Umno’s aspirant candidates to submit their nomination forms.