CARETAKER prime minister Najib Razak has succeeded in introducing Malaysia as a kleptocratic nation to the world, said Daim Zainuddin.

The former finance minister, who served twice under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration, both times during the 1990s economic crises, was responding to Wanita Umno head Shahrizat Abdul Jalil’s recent statement that a group of “pensioners” are jealous of Najib’s achievements.

“Najib has introduced (Malaysia) to the whole world as a thief’s government. This is Najib’s achievement,” he said in Shah Alam today.

“The second achievement is, abolishing the Internal Security Act but introducing Sosma and Pota,” he said, referring to the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

“We will get arrested if we lodge a report. This is Najib’s achievement, introducing our country as a kleptocratic nation led by a thief.”

Shahrizat last week said statements by former Umno ministers Daim and Rafidah Aziz, as well as Pakatan Harapan chairman Dr Mahathir, show that they are frustrated with the positive impact of the policies introduced by Najib, who came to power in 2009.

Both Daim and former international trade and industry minister Rafidah have been sacked from Umno for supporting the opposition.

Another former minister, Rais Yatim, is being investigated by the party.

All three have been critical of Umno and Najib’s government, but Daim and Rafidah have taken it a step further by openly endorsing PH. – May 7, 2018.