Cabinet had agreed in principle to Najib's housing request - Wan Junaidi

De facto Law Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has revealed that the government had agreed in principle to grant former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak his request for land and housing reportedly valued at RM100 million

He said the decision was based on the grounds that it was Najib's right under the law, but was still subject to further deliberation.

Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz had been coy about confirming whether the cabinet had decided on principle on the matter when grilled about Najib's request yesterday.

In pursuit of a final decision on the request, Wan Junaidi said the government had decided today to set up a committee to review it.

It should be noted, however, Najib had already decided to withdraw his request an hour before Wan Junaidi announced the government decision in a press statement.

But setting up the committee may not be entirely in vain, as the committee will also review perks for future former prime ministers.

"The committee's role will be to review the proposed guidelines for the fulfilment of the request, including rates, conditions and maximum limits or quantum, for the provision of land and residential houses, under the Former Prime Minister’s Remuneration Schedule, for future implementation," Wan Junaidi said.

Granting former prime ministers the perks of land and housing reportedly stemmed from a cabinet decision back in May 2003.

The decision was made five months before Dr Mahathir Mohamad ended his first tenure as prime minister. - Mkini