Dr Mahathir Mohamad has again questioned why convicted former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak deserves any reward.
In a blog post today, he contrasted Najib’s “contributions” with those of former premiers like Tunku Abdul Rahman.
He also compared the nature of the Pekan MP’s request with what they received from the government in appreciation for their efforts.
“Tunku Abdul Rahman - Malaysia’s first prime minister who led the country to independence - only received a rumah papan (wooden house).
“Abdul Razak (Hussein’s) house became a monument. Hussein (Onn) did not receive anything of high value. Rahah Noah (Razak’s spouse) received an existing government house.
“I was the PM for 22 years but I did not claim or receive anything other than a pension and RM10,000 a month to maintain the house that I built for myself," Mahathir wrote.
“Najib - who ruined the country until it became a kleptocracy - was given a RM100 million (property) without approval from Parliament, which was even kept secret,” he added.
In office from 2009 to 2018, Najib was found guilty last year of seven counts of money laundering, abuse of power and criminal breach of trust involving RM42 million from SRC International.
He was sentenced to 12 years jail and fined RM210 million. His appeal against the conviction is pending.
It was revealed last week that Putrajaya had approved Najib’s request for a 1.1ha residence in Kuala Lumpur. The request was made in his capacity as a former prime minister.
The estimated value of the land and the house - which needed to be built from scratch - was RM100 million.
“The world laughs when it looks at Malaysia, where a convict who made billions disappear is highly praised and respected,” Mahathir remarked.
Reward not meant for luxury
Najib’s request came to light when Mahathir questioned the government about it in the Dewan Rakyat.
Public outrage ensued, prompting Najib to withdraw his request.
In an attempt to defend himself, Najib said his request was made under a law enacted by his archrival Mahathir.
Today, Mahathir sought to set the record straight.
“Najib tried to blame me because I amended the Members of Parliament (Remuneration) Act 1980 in 2003. The amendment was for the government to consider giving former prime ministers a small reward to appreciate their contributions.
“The usual reward was an existing government house. It was not intended to give former prime ministers any luxury or wealth.
“Prime ministers do not need much reward after they retire because the pension, gratuities and allowances they get is more than enough to build a comfortable home for themselves. And that is what I did,” he added. - Mkini
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