Hasan Malek defends Najib, says even Obama thinks highly of him

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek says the prime minister's leadership is held in high regard by world leaders. – The Malaysian Insider filepic, May 15, 2015.Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership is held in high regard by world leaders including US President Barack Obama, minister Datuk Seri Hasan Malek said today, as he defended the prime minister amid calls for Najib's resignation.

Hasan, who is domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister, said Malaysia was at the international level and Najib's leadership was held in high regard, "whether you like it or not".

"We are at the international level. The world knows us. And the world recognises our country's leadership, Najib. Whether you like it or not, that's it," Hasan said in his speech at the Bank Rakyat Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

"Obama has high regard for Najib's leadership.

"The President of China, even Putin (Russian President Vladimir Putin). These are all world leaders. They recognise our leadership because what we do is in line with what the rakyat want."

Najib has been facing mounting pressure to resign after former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned that Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN) will lose the next general election if he did not step down.

Dr Mahathir has cited the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issue, the Lembaga Tabung Haji land deal with 1MDB, 1Malaysia cash vouchers (BR1M) and the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu as some of the reasons why Najib must go.

Najib's critics, including veteran journalist A. Kadir Jasin and former information minister Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin, have also claimed that the prime minister no longer enjoyed the people and his party members, and would soon have to step down like his predecessor, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Najib's administration has also received international criticism for maintaining the Sedition Act 1948 and over Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy conviction.

However, on Monday, prime minister said the Umno Supreme Council in its meeting had renewed their support for him and Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to lead the party.

“The Supreme Council expressed renewed support for the president and the deputy president.

“The Supreme Council wants the president, deputy president, the council and all Umno leaders to unite as a team to face all the challenges and take positive action to strengthen Umno and Barisan Nasional’s position among the people,” Najib said.