Friday 29 Mar 2024
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(June 5): Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not turn up at a forum on the controversial 1Malaysia Development (1MDB) at the Umno headquarters, Putra World Trade Centre, today because of security concerns, the Prime Minister's Office said after the event was abruptly called off.

In a Facebook posting, the PMO said that organisers had informed the prime minister of security concerns, which were earlier highlighted by the police.

"Following the order and advice of the inspector-general of police, the prime minister cannot attend the programme," it said.

This was echoed by SukaGuam chairman, Datuk Khairul Anwar Rahmat, who said police were concerned with the lack of security at the Dewan Tun Hussein Onn hall in PWTC, where more than 1,000 people, including former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, had gathered in anticipation of Najib's tell-all event.

"Police were not satisfied with the security features and advised the PM not to come," he said at a press conference.

"This is following a ruckus outside the hall, where one person was also arrested. The dialogue which was supposed to go on smoothly turned chaotic."

Najib, who was supposed to address the public's concerns about 1MDB at the forum today, was apparently advised by IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to stay away via a tweet earlier this morning.

Khalid said that the dialogue should be called off on grounds of public order and national harmony.

Khairul also said Dr Mahathir was not "personally invited" to the forum, despite being quoted as saying in the media previously that an invitation had been extended to the elser statesman.

"Earlier, Tun M even told us that he only showed up because his attendance was being debated in social media.”

Khairul said it was regretful that the forum was "hijacked" and "manipulated" by certain parties who "were not supposed to" do so. He is believed to be referring to Dr Mahathir who is Najib's supporter turned detractor.

Although he was not invited, organisers allowed Dr Mahathir to speak after they confirmed Najib's no-show but the former prime minister's speech was abruptly stopped by police who later escorted him out of the hall.

He was 10 minutes into his speech when a group of uniformed policemen went up to the stage and stopped him from speaking.

Dr Mahathir attempted to negotiate with the officers and was overheard as saying he was invited and thought that he could speak.

However, when asked about this, Khairul said he would have to investigate if Dr Mahathir was in fact given permission by the organisers to speak.

"We don't know how that happened. When Tun M took over the stage, it can be said that the event was no longer in our control but the police," he told reporters.

He added that the non-governmental organisation would seek another date to hold the forum with Najib but with upgraded security features.

"I am going to call Datuk Seri Najib after this, talk to him and ask him for a new date." – The Malaysian Insider

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