'Saudi confirmation implies Malaysia co-opted into its bloc'

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu today said the Saudi government’s confirmation that it had deposited RM2.6 billion donation into prime minister Najib Abdul Razak’s personal account has given the impression that Malaysia has been co-opted into its bloc of geo-politics.

In a statement, Mohamad said the recent confirmation by Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir has made it seem as if Najib has been “bought” by the Saudi government.

“Saudi Arabia is currently leading a big bloc in the Middle East and seen to be in conflict with groups (countries) from other blocs.

“The admission on donation to Najib makes it appear as if Malaysia has been bought to join the bloc led by Saudi,” Mohamad said in a statement.

This, he said, was contrary to the times when the Malaysian prime minister had earned accolades for the country’s role in resolving conflicts - as members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement.

“Malaysia should once again play its role as the mediator and peacemaker, not the instigator. Those were the roles played by all past prime ministers before Najib,” Mohamad said.

As such, he said Najib should resign from his position as the donation has compromised Malaysia’s position as an independent and non-aligned nation,

Al-Jubeir had reportedly told Malaysian reporters in Istanbul on Friday that the Saudi government is aware of the donation and it is a genuine donation with nothing expected in return.

“We are also fully aware that the attorney-general of Malaysia has thoroughly investigated the matter and found no wrongdoing.

"So, as far as we are concerned, the matter is closed," Al-Jubeir said.

Al-Jubeir, however, had also reportedly told The New York Times on Feb 6 that he does not think the RM2.6 billion was a political donation, or that it originated from the Saudi government.

Umno leaders urge an end to the matter following Al-Jubeir’s statement, while attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali said there is no reason to look into the issue again.

Apandi had in January exonerated Najib of wrongdoing over the donation and RM42 million from state firm SRC International, found in the PM’s bank account.

Najib denies abusing public funds. -Mkini