KUCHING: Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad yesterday insisted Datuk Seri Najib has to go in view of his various irresponsible acts including 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy.
Dr Mahathir in his lengthy blogpost yesterday reiterated that Najib is no longer worthy to be the prime minister.
“Billions of ringgit have been lost and is not likely to be recoverable. Whether directly or indirectly, Najib is responsible for this massive loss,” the former prime minister claimed.
“Because of his irresponsible actions, Najib is no longer fit to be the prime minister of Malaysia,” Dr Mahathir added. The former statesman said he had been approached by many groups and individuals who complained against the leadership of Najib and that these groups had come numerous times asking him to do something and to speak out against some of Najib’s policies.
He claimed that these people were not only just the Malays and Umno members but also the Chinese.
“They are not happy with Najib’s wife, with her luxury lifestyle and with the attitude as if she is the prime minister,” Dr Mahathir said.He said it was the 1MDB issue that compelled him to publicly demand for the latter’s resignation.
Dr Mahathir also went on to say that he knew if he did not support Najib, the opposition will use this as an opportunity for them. “However, on the other hand, if Najib is to lead BN to the 14th General Election, BN will lose,” Dr Mahathir reasoned.
He insisted that if the leadership of Umno and BN were to be changed it has to be done before there is too little time for the party to rebuild itself before the polls of the 14th general election. Dr Mahathir also claimed that Najib believed that cash is king and that when money is given to the people, the people will support him. “Thus he introduced BR1M, free money to the people”.
The blog post of Dr Mahathir came a day after Najib declared publicly that he would not bow to pressure and calls for his resignation. Speaking at a function in Tawau on Sunday, the prime minister also called for support from Dr Mahathir and reminded him that he had actually supported him dur ing hi s t enur e of premiership.
Earl ier last night , Najib announced that Umno’s supreme council has given him the support and that his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stood by his side.