US President Donald Trump has thanked Prime Minister Najib Razak for investing in his country, but Malaysian opposition leaders who criticised yesterday’s White House visit are wondering what the benefits are for Malaysia.

Opposition politicians took to social media today, questioning Najib’s remarks about “strengthening the US” when Malaysians faced rising living costs with fewer foreign investments.

Selangor Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali tweeted that he was “utterly shocked Najib wants to strengthen the world’s largest economy with up to RM100 billion of Malaysian money. No photo-op is worth this much”.

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli also questioned the “bayaran ufti” (tribute) Najib needed to pay to get a 30-minute photo-op with Trump.

“Trump’s invitation did not come from Najib’s efficiency and greatness. I see the invitation as something arranged through lobbying, because it only benefits the US,” he said in a statement today.

PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Najib’s meeting with Trump raised many questions.

“The primary issue is, what has the trip accomplished for the country’s interests?

“The White House reported that before his bilateral meeting with Trump, Najib had said, ‘...we want to help you in terms of strengthening the US’.”

Najib told Trump that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Khazanah Nasional Berhad were planning to expand their investments in the US, and Malaysia would buy more Boeing jets to help strengthen the economy.

EPF is expected to invest between RM12.6 billion and RM16.8 billion in the US.

DAP national publicity secretary Tony Pua said Malaysia was helping to make America great again, borrowing Trump’s presidential campaign slogan.

“Oh wow! Malaysia offers $$$ to help make America Great Again. Najib: Number one, we want to help you in terms of… ” he tweeted.

Anti-graft watchdog Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism chief Cynthia Gabriel called it a “super irony” that Malaysia was making America great again.

“Super Irony: Malaysia offers to make America great again, while Malaysians continue to struggle with its sliding economy & rising costs.”

Prominent lawyer and former Bersih chairman Ambiga Sreenevasan highlighted that the investments to be made in the US were announced at a time when budget cuts were affecting government institutions of higher learning and hospitals.

“PM Najib bought his way into the White House while Malaysians suffer budget cuts to universities and hospitals at home @CNNPolitics @POTUS,” she tweeted.

Twitter user Vox Nihili (@ShazGhaF) questioned the government’s decision to pump money into the US economy.

“Malaysia’s GDP shrinking, external debt growing and Najib wants to help the US economy? amazing #Najibnomics logic.”

The user also asked how much US investment Malaysia would get in return.

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar sarcastically congratulated Najib.

“Congrats @NajibRazak! RM42 billion on planes and RM16.8 billion investment in America. Oh, where are the job opportunities for Malaysians?” she tweeted. – September 13, 2017.