Why was the issue of sovereignty not raised when former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad implemented his "Look East" policy in the 1980s?
This is the question posed by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, in comparing the criticisms he has received for the increasing investments from China in the country.
“I want to ask when Look East policy in the 1980s was implemented by the prime minister who led for 22 years, why wasn’t the issue of sovereignty raised then?
“Why then when I forge a relationship with China, (I am) accused of selling our country’s sovereignty?” he asked during his speech at the “Malaysian Chinese Patriotic Rally” at Putra World Trade Centre today.
The event, which is organised by MCA in conjunction with Malaysia Day, saw around 15,000 Chinese people from all over the country, including Sabah and Sarawak, attending.
Najib stressed that the increased investments from China would benefit Malaysia’s economy as China is an important trading partner.
“Who benefits? Malaysia benefits,” he said.
In his speech, Najib also took a shot at the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, which was built during Mahathir’s premiership, by comparing it to his brainchild, the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system.
“We may be proud of the Twin Towers, yes, but Twin Towers’ architect is a foreigner. Its contractors are Japanese and Korean.
“MRT is done by us, MMC-Gamuda and so many Malaysians involved in that project,” he said.
This includes Chinese president Xi Jinping, the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman Abdulaziz Al-Saud, as well as Trump, he said.
On his way back from the US, Najib had also made a stop in the UK where he met with British prime minister Theresa May.
“I was in London to meet with (May) but I did not want to use the London Underground because the Malaysian Underground is better.
“Malaysia’s MRT is better,” he quipped.
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