PM Ismail: Najib Willing To Help With Economic Recovery For The Sake Of Keluarga Malaysia

Subscribe to our Telegram channel for our latest stories and breaking news.

In a Facebook post last night, 7 September, Ismail said that he and Najib had an hour-long meeting, during which they discussed economic challenges as well as strategies to fight the pandemic.

"I received a visit from the former prime minister Najib Razak. In this hour-long meeting, we discussed domestic and foreign economic challenges including strategies to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Najib is committed to contributing time, energy, and ideas as a team for the sake of Keluarga Malaysia," he wrote.

Ismail previously worked under Najib during the Barisan National (BN) administration between 2009 to 2018, under three different ministries including as the domestic trade and consumer affairs minister.

Najib, on the other hand, was finance minister from 2008 — a post he held until 2018. He was also the prime minister from 2009. He held both posts until BN's defeat in the 2018 General Election.

Following which, Najib was tried for corruption for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal. He was charged and found guilty on seven charges of abuse of power, corruption, and money laundering involving RM42 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.

While Najib has been sentenced to 12 years in jail and fined RM210 million for his crimes of corruption, the convicted criminal has yet to spend a night in prison as he was granted a stay of execution.

"My principle and stand are clear. If there are opportunities to improve, I will propose. If wrong, I will oppose. If good, I will support," he said in a follow-up post while addressing their meeting.

According to Najib, he will make his views clear be it at face-to-face meetings or through social media.

"The method is up to those who are willing to listen and understand the voices of the rakyat," he added.

"Make no mistake. I am being frank with my words. Malaysia is still in a crisis. Hence, it will be faced with even bigger challenges in terms of the economy, income and the rakyat's welfare," he said.

"At the macro level and broadly speaking, we are far behind our neighbours. We are no longer attractive to foreign investors since 2018. At the micro-level, which involves the rakyat, many lack confidence in our economy. In fact, there are concerns about their necessities, income, and job stability," he added.

He said that he hopes his suggestions, strategies, and experience has been of use.