PM: We’ll explain Felda issues
(NST) – The government will provide an explanation on all allegations made by the opposition on Felda.
Speaking after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting last night, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said their allegations were a “complete distortion of facts” and that all will be answered in Parliament next week by Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Ahmad Maslan.
He also spoke about reports stating that Australia’s foreign minister saying the refugee swap deal was on again.
“It’s on their part. They didn’t get through parliament because they couldn’t get the majority so I don’t know what’s the latest. The ball is very much in their court and it’s up to them to deliver their part of the bargain,” he said.
When asked whether the government will issue a stop work order on Lynas, Najib said he will let the Parliamentary Select Committee to deliberate on the issue and that they are not proceeding with it currently.
He also answered questions on leaks on government information. Najib said they try their best to plug leaks but it’s impossible to do so completely in this information age.
“Even the American state department also has their cables leaked,” he said.
Najib also confirmed reports that Petronas will halt all imports of Iranian crude oil from April. Reuters reported that a US embargo takes effect in two months.
“It’s only a small amount so it’s not really an issue,” he said.
According to the report today, Petronas now imports some 50,000-60,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude.
Currently, China, India, Japan and South Korea are the four biggest buyers of Iranian crude in Asia.
Iran sells most of its 2.6 million barrels per day of exports in the region.
On former police director Datuk Ramli Yusuf’s claims that he was framed by the attorney-general during his time, Najib said that was an allegation that needed to be substantiated and there was no need for a tribunal.
On a separate matter, Najib said the 66th Umno anniversary celebrations will be held from May 1 to 13, with the highlight of the celebrations held from May 11 to 13 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Some of the activities planned were job fairs, discussion panels, and a carnival.
Najib also stated that the current number of Umno members stood at 3,340,508, comprising of normal members (1,095,112), Wanita (1,247,026), Pemuda (617,328) and Puteri (381,012).
