Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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(June 5): Datuk Seri Najib Razak's short justification for his decision not to attend a dialogue session with NGOs on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy had drawn scorn from social media users.

The prime minister this morning avoided the "Nothing to Hide" forum on the advice of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, citing "security concerns".

Najib later took to his blog and Facebook to explain that he was always "committed" to dialogues as long as they took place in a "peaceful" environment.

"I am always ready and committed to meet and have dialogues with NGOs to discuss national issues on the stage.

"However, the meeting and dialogue should take place in a peaceful environment so that it brings benefit to everyone. If we are sincere and open hearted, discussions and dialogues can do good for all of us," Najib wrote in his two-paragraph explanation.

His post was mocked by social media users, some of whom were sarcastic in their comments.

The post gathered more than 3,000 comments, most which were negative towards Najib.

"I believe thousands of votes had been lost today, for who would want to be with a coward leader?" asked Facebook user Ben Shuxrie.

The main joke that is repeatedly going around in the comments is one that compares Najib to other Malay warriors.

"In Malay history, we have five great warriors – Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, Hang Lekir, Hang Lekiu, and one has been left out – Hang Pi Mana Najib (Where are you Najib)."

"The way you acted is not right, I know Tun M felt slighted, anyone in his position would feel the same, when he was talking, the police came and stopped him. He is not a criminal, he had led the country for 22 years," wrote Fadhirul Anuar.

Najib told a rally in Kuching yesterday that he had a "warrior spirit"  and would continue to be the prime minister.

Another Facebook user Dizzy Fadzil posted: "The whole event appeared to be calm. Tun M too spoke calmly. What is there to be feared for? Who is causing a ruckus? Isn't Malaysia a peaceful country? Isn't there authorities to ensure peace? Or have you stopped believing that your own country is peaceful?"

1MDB currently sits on a RM42 billion debt, with many questioning the firm's dealings.

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was also present at the dialogue today, has emerged as Najib's fiercest critic over the 1MDB scandal, even asking for Najib to resign over the controversy and his other policies.

Najib is chairman of the 1MDB advisory board. – The Malaysian Insider

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