Just be sure to come, the Pakatan 'top dog' says, extending invitation to his 'equal', PM Najib Razak.
VIDEO INSIDE
Mahathir said he and Najib had missed the chance to do so during the 2015 “Nothing to Hide” forum, which was cancelled by police due to security concerns.
“We can address all the allegations that have been made against me. I feel this is a good platform to state the truth,” Mahathir told a press conference at the Perdana Leadership Foundation here today.
“Najib should attend too and answer questions or throw allegations at me.
“Don’t let it be like the first ‘Nothing to Hide’ forum though, where he didn’t show up because of an alleged riot, which didn’t actually occur,” Mahathir said.
The second “Nothing to Hide” forum is scheduled to take place on Aug 13 at the Raja Muda Musa hall in Shah Alam.
Mahathir said if Najib attended the forum, they wouldn’t have to worry about police interference as Najib is the prime minister.
PPBM Youth first announced the forum on June 11, saying it would be an avenue for party chairman Mahathir to clarify issues raised by certain quarters, including claims about his family’s wealth.
The youth wing’s chief, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, will act as the moderator, while questions will come from the press and members of the public to ensure fairness and transparency.
“We can talk about whether I stole money (from the public), or Najib did. But we are giving him an opportunity to clear his name which has been tarnished worldwide,” said Mahathir.
“Because we will broadcast this worldwide. Everyone can see it, and hear for themselves.
“I want to ask about his administrative failures and several other matters that have gained public interest.”
When asked if he would accept a representative of the government instead of Najib himself, the 92-year-old said such a possibility would be a disappointment.
“I’m now the chairman of the opposition parties. Among the opposition, I’m the equivalent of Najib.
“So he should take this opportunity we are offering him to explain all the allegations against him.”
But with or without Najib, Mahathir said the forum would go on, and those attending would get the chance to ask him absolutely anything.
“It will be like a press conference.”
The previous “Nothing to Hide” forum was organised by law-based NGO SukaGuam and held at the Putra World Trade Centre.
Najib had agreed to appear at the forum but did not turn up after police advised him against it. Mahathir, who came unannounced, took to the stage instead to address the audience of about 2,000 people.
He spoke for six minutes before he was forced to stop by police and pulled off-stage.
Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said then that the event was called off to preserve “public order”. - FMT
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