Najib: A ‘former leader’ blamed me for his son’s loss in bid for Umno VP post

(The Star) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak revealed that a “former leader” blamed him for his son’s loss in his bid for the Umno vice-president post in the 2013 party elections.

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir was among those who contested the post, but lost.

Without naming names, Najib said the “former leader” is “obsessed by power” and wanted to continue ruling long into his retirement.

“I had refused to conform to his ways as I firmly believed that Malaysia needed a new vision, away from the old ways that had led to the serious legacy problems that we had faced before and which were damaging the people’s welfare,” said Najib in a blog post on Tuesday.

In his blog post about the economic vision for Malaysia, Najib said that the country must move on to the next phase to be a developed high-income country.

“The standard of living and the quality of life for Malaysians are the top priority.

“This is my vision for Malaysia – a cause that is much bigger than myself.

“Malaysia has always punched above our weight, and I believe in our tremendous potential as a country,” said Najib.

He said Malaysia’s potential has been recognised by many international institutions, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

“They have repeatedly praised the Government’s macroeconomic management and structural reforms, while a survey co-authored by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania earlier this year declared Malaysia to be the ‘Best Country to Invest In’,” said Najib.

He said that all the major credit ratings agencies have also reaffirmed Malaysia’s status within the “A” band.

“These are the results of the economic plan this Government put into place after I took office in 2009,” said Najib.

Even though the Government’s “tough decisions” weren’t always popular, Najib said they were necessary and have spared Malaysia from recession.

“We have acted as a responsible Government, always seeking to protect our people and look after their welfare and security,” he said.