An Umno Youth leader has praised Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak over his meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House.

Azman Jaafar also took a swipe at the prime minister's local critics, namely Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Lim Guan Eng.

“We are proud of Datuk Seri's (Najib) achievement. Congratulations. You made us very proud. For Mahathir, Lim and opposition leaders, eat your heart out!

“Malaysia is a safe country. It does not need saving,” said the Pasir Gudang Umno Youth chief in reference to opposition leaders and Mahathir claiming to have set aside differences to save Malaysia from Najib.

Azman noted how the Singaporean media had published positive reports about Najib, including pointing out that the Malaysian premier met with Trump before his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsein Loong could do so.

He said the Singaporean media also reported how Najib was accorded first class treatment upon his arrival in the US.

“The special security provided for Najib by Trump's personal bodyguards shows how wrong is the assumption by Mahathir and the opposition that Najib's image is tarnished in the eyes of the world.

“For those who understand body language, it was clear that Trump's reception and treatment of Najib showed his fondness for and confidence in Najib.

“Trump's actions revealed that the fondness sincere and full of confidence,” he added.

Azman also pointed out it was only during Najib's era that a US president visited Malaysia twice, with the prime minister even being extended a personal invitation by the president to attend a meeting at the White House.

From a political science perspective, the Umno Youth leader said this showed that Najib's leadership is respected and acknowledged by the superpower.

“The Singaporean media also reported about the Malaysian economy...Malaysia is interested in purchasing several Boeing aircraft in the next five years.

“My question is – are these signs of Malaysia being a failed state and on the verge of bankruptcy?

“Only those with mental problems, (and who are) envious and heartless refuse to accept the fact that Najib's leadership is the best,” he added.

According to Azman, it is now clear that the issues concerning 1MDB and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) were created by Mahathir and the opposition.

“As for Lim who called Trump a 'dungu'(idiot)...does it mean that the Singaporean prime minister who is slated to meet Trump next month is also a dungu?” he asked.

Last month, Lim, who is also Penang chief minister, was reported as stating he would not want to meet with the US president even if he had the chance to do so. - Mkini