Every Remark And Statement Made By Najib During His “Fiery” Speech In Seremban
Claiming how 1MDB is not taxpayers' money to why the 1MDB issue is not the most important thing right now and why 'white people' should stay out of Malaysia's affairs, the Prime Minister of Malaysia spoke on several topics linked to the ongoing 1MDB scandal, downplaying people's demands amidst many other things.
Cover image via Nazir Sufari/TMIAfter a series of exposés by western and some local media in relation to his involvement with the 1MDB scandal, it seems Najib has decided to take on his critics head-on. On 1 August, during a speech, which The Malay Mail Online has dubbed as "fiery", to the crowd of over 400 Seremban Umno delegates, Najib said "white people" should not play any role in determining the country's future.
Image via Nazir Sufari/TMI
The Prime Minister, who just reshuffled his Cabinet after his Deputy criticised him for his handling of the 1MDB issue, however, insisted that as the top party leader he was open to criticism, especially within his party, but said it must be done through the right channels
Saying when a decision had been made, all party members must show solidarity and defend that decision, Najib added that despite differences in opinions, Umno members must demonstrate unity especially in ensuring that it could win the coming General Election
Najib officiating Umno division delegates meeting in Seremban, 1 August 2015.
Image via Kamles Kumar
During the same speech, Najib also defended his administration from criticism over the 1MDB scandal, telling his detractors that the state investor's problems do not determine Malaysia's financial position and that the country is not defined by the 1MDB issue
The Umno President, who is also Finance Minister and Chairman of 1MDB's Advisory Board, added that 1MDB's woes do not involve taxpayers' money, stressing that 1MDB as a business entity had merely loaned money from third parties, and that the state investment firm's problems were due to negative public perception
According to The Star, the Prime Minister was saddened by such perception that was spread through the social media, and that when the mind was clouded by negative perception, the people were not interested anymore in finding the truth about 1MDB.
"We are no longer interested in verifying things on social media."
Najib addressing those selected to perform the haj in Putrajaya on Friday, 31 July 2015
Image via The Star
However, the most shocking part of his speech at Seremban was when he said that loyalty was more important (to him) than "smart people" in order to keep the party and his leadership united
Najib said that the Finance Ministry, which oversees 1MDB, has already taken the necessary measures to reduce the firm's debt under the rationalisation plan, adding that all he is asking for six months to turn around the government investment company
Image via Nazir Sufari/TMI
Watch: Najib speaking about servicing 1MDB's debt:
Meanwhile, during the Kota Melaka Umno division delegates meeting in Bandar Hilir, Malacca, Najib said that he would not step down as the Umno President because three million party members were firmly behind him. He said that as an individual elected through democratic principles based on the new party constitution, he should be given room to serve Umno and the people well.
Furthermore, Najib would again propose regulations requiring political parties to divulge the sources of their political funds. The PM said a similar proposal he had previously made, with the aim of ensuring greater transparency, was rejected by the DAP.
Image via Selangorku

