DESPITE the slew of charges against him, Najib Razak remains popular in Langkawi, where Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad is MP.

People clamoured to meet the former prime minister during his recent visit to Langkawi and for the island’s youth, the 42 charges levelled against Najib for allegedly committing criminal breach of trust, misuse of office and receiving money from illegal activities mean nothing, except the ones relating to corruption.

A youth, who wanted to be known as Musnab, 26, said the people do not take the corruption cases seriously and are delighted that Najib joins and supports their activities.

“Last Saturday, Najib met the ‘Ysuku’ and ‘RS’ motorcycle gangs. Even though I did not get to join in the fun, seeing him support our activities makes us happy.

“Whatever his cases are, let him settle them,” the youth, who is in a motorcycle gang himself, told The Malaysian Insight.

Najib’s five days there is his third holiday on the legendary island after Barisan Nasional lost the 14th general election last year.

However, the holiday themed “Selfie bersama DSN” (“Selfie with Datuk Seri Najib”) was heavily criticised by Pakatan Harapan, which lodged five police reports on whether the programme was permitted and if there are elements of sedition and racism.

The Langkawi Municipal Council also cordoned off Dataran Cenang to prevent him from giving talks there.

Another motorcycle gang member, Faizal Firdaus, said the police set up roadblocks when they discovered that the gang members wanted to meet Najib.

“We are disappointed with the authorities. We came to see ‘bossku’ (my boss) to take a picture, that’s all.

“The Bersatu youth here know only how to talk, but they don’t do any activity for the youth,” he said.

During his visit, Najib did not hold any ceramah but visited the morning and night markets, went jet-skiing, bought chocolates and held dialogues with PAS members.

In Langkawi, Najib is not the only reason for the people’s unhappiness against the PH government.

Support for PH has also declined among those involved in water sports due to the authorities’ strict enforcement of licences and permits for such activities.

A water sports vendor, who wanted to be only known as Rafi, said since last December, the authorities have made it mandatory for all water sports operators to apply for licences which cost thousands of ringgit.

“In the past, the government didn’t disturb us. Now, it’s all messed up. Now we have to pay RM500 a month for a canopy and jetski fees of RM600 a year.

“They are also charging for Marine Department permits which come close to RM2,000. Before obtaining permits, we have to pay RM2,000 in insurance.”

Rafi said he regretted that the authorities are acting against legal water sports operators instead of illegal operators.

“There currently are 24 companies operating. But the council doesn’t take action against the illegal ones because they don’t have counters.

“This is not fair. They force us to get licences, but they don’t act against those who don’t have licences because they don’t have sales counters.”

Meanwhile, a civil servant known as Faizul said he felt support for PH in Langkawi had deteriorated because the people assigned by Dr Mahathir are not doing their jobs.

PH leaders are also allegedly using their power to threaten civil servants who support the opposition.

‘When we ask for help, they say there is no budget. The assemblyman here is also not doing his job.

“But when we write ‘malu apa bossku’ (nothing to be ashamed of, my boss) on Facebook, we are reprimanded. It’s like a sin. That’s why they are getting fed up with PH.”

Housewife Shuhada Rosli, 37, is disappointed with PH due to the government’s failure to address the high cost of living.

“The people from Pulau Tuba used to get transport subsidies to bring gas, sugar and rice to the island, but now they are charged the same price as in Kuah town.

“The price of gas in Kuah is RM28.50 but in Tuba it is now RM35. Isn’t this sad?” – February 8, 2019.