Prove claims or zip it, Hisham tells Mat Sabu

Defence Minister tells Amanah president to back his allegations that the Saudis have bought Malaysia with their RM2.6 billion political donation.

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Vice-President Hishammuddin Hussein said the Opposition’s allegations against the country’s leadership changed as often as the seasons.

He said this in reference to the Opposition’s refusal to accept the confirmation by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir about the RM2.6 billion political donation given to Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) president Mohamad Sabu (Mat Sabu) had claimed that the Saudis made this confession because Malaysia had been “bought” to join a military coalition led by Saudi Arabia with the purpose of “fighting terrorism” in the region.

Hishammuddin, who is also defence minister, had explained earlier that Malaysian troops were only taking part in a drill. He had said the “Thunder of the North” drill in early March was a multi-nation military training that had been going on for over 15 years.

“The Opposition makes accusations about all kinds of political issues, but if it’s true that we have been bought, then prove it.

“If there is no proof, then keep quiet,” he told reporters at the Defence Service Asia Conference at the PWTC today.

“It’s all an issue of political polemics. The important thing is to know what really happened.

“I have been consistent in saying that any allegations should have confirmation and verification from the parties involved.”

He added that new issues were constantly emerging and that it was more productive for everyone to look at constructive issues rather than talk about only this particular one involving the RM2.6 billion political donation.

“The way I see it, current issues change every second and if we only focus on a single issue, there will be no end to it.

“It is better if we look for things that are constructive.”