DPM: Najib, Dr M must meet

(Bernama) – “If he (Dr Mahathir) touched on government matters that we need to explain, we should explain”

The Prime Minister should sit down with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and straighten things out.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin suggested that Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak meet and explain the issues that the former prime minister has raised, such as the IMalaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and other matters that were linked to the Prime Minister himself.

“That’s why when he raised an issue in his (blog) postings, I personally will not take it lightly. It must have an impact and consequences,” said Muhyiddin.

“If he (Dr Mahathir) touched on government matters that we need to explain, we should explain,” Bernama quoted Muhyiddin as saying during a three-day working visit to Indonesia.

“I agree that the Prime Minister should not only explain (the issues raised by Dr Mahathir) to the public to clear up any misunderstanding, but should also meet with Tun as a son meets his father,” he said.

Muhyiddin said that although Najib and Dr Mahathir had met before, there was no harm in meeting again.

“I’m sure Tun Dr Mahathir will accept (the explanation),” he said.

At the meeting, he said, Najib and Dr Mahathir could discuss and resolve the issues once and for all.

Doing this would not leave Najib’s government in an awkward situation, he added.

Muhyiddin said he respected both leaders and, hence, would not want to make any statement deemed bias.

What is more important, he said, is for the people to learn the truth.

He also called on Dr Mahathir to give Najib’s government a chance to do its work in its own way for the people.

Muhyiddin said Dr Mahathir might not agree with certain decisions made by the Government of the day, but some people had also disagreed with the decisions made during Dr Mahathir’s tenure as the fourth prime minister of Malaysia.

“Different people have different opinions, but please, let today’s government implement the things that we think will bring about positive impact to the socio-economic development of the people through the transformation programmes, subsidy rationalisation, 1Malaysia People’s Aid and the like.

“There will be some impact even if Tun does not quite agree with it,” Muhyiddin added.

However, he said attention should be given to the fact that Dr Mahathir was a former leader who still had his own opinion, influence and followers.