Najib: Dr M’s claims ‘downright wrong’
Najib pointed out that Dr Mahathir has repeated false rumours about his family and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, that had been started by the opposition, such as the allegation that Rosmah owns a RM24 million ring.
(Malay Mail Online) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak hit back at Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today and said the former prime minister’s claims about his administration lacking objectivity are “downright wrong”.
He told Dr Mahathir to first check the veracity of hearsay before making them public, pointing out that the elder statesman himself had always asked for evidence whenever allegations were made when he was in office then.
“Much of what Tun has said lacks objectivity and is downright wrong,” Najib wrote on his blog.
“The question should be asked — what is Tun’s motivation in choosing this moment to regurgitate smears manufactured by the very opposition groups that he previously denounced as liars?” he added.
Najib pointed out that Dr Mahathir has repeated false rumours about his family and wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, that had been started by the opposition, such as the allegation that Rosmah owns a RM24 million ring.
“It is a lie, and the company that owned the ring clarified in detail at the time that such a ring was never bought by Rosmah. It is regrettable that someone of Tun’s stature should pass on such slander to the people,” said Najib.
The prime minister also criticised Dr Mahathir for calling him a liar over the controversial purchase of a new government jet and repeating the opposition’s claim that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong does not use the official aircraft.
“But again this is false ― His Majesty was in fact the first VIP passenger to use the newly arrived aircraft for a trip to Langkawi, and will continue to do so,” said Najib.
Dr Mahathir has been pushing openly for Najib’s resignation, citing the controversy around the debt-laden 1 Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and the murder of Altantuya Shariibuu.
Najib, however, has declared that he will stay on as prime minister and Umno president.
