FORMER Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had similarly used the services of a lobbyist to meet former US President George W Bush in 2002, said Prime Minister Najib Razak tonight.

Najib, who had just arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport after meeting with US President Donald Trump in the US and British Prime Minister Theresa May in the UK, said Dr Mahathir had used a lobbyist who was based in Hong Kong.

“When he (Dr Mahathir) was prime minister, he met president Bush. Dr Mahathir paid the lobbyist millions.

“I know this and so does (Ahmad) Zahid Hamid… he (the lobbyist) was based in Hong Kong. He has come here several times,” said Najib at the Bunga Raya Complex tonight.

Dr Mahathir used a lobbyist to set up his meeting with Bush in May 2002.

According to Najib, Dr Mahathir had asked former deputy home minister Megat Junid Megat Ayub to make the arrangements.

“Do you know how he did it? He arranged the payment through Tenaga Nasional Bhd… coal contracts. Is that right, Zahid?” said Najib, turning to his deputy for confirmation.

“Millions were paid so that he could meet president Bush,” said Najib. 

But even though he had a lobbyist, Dr Mahathir did not get the same reception I did, said Najib.

“Don’t be a hypocrite and criticise my visit to the United States,” Najib told Dr Mahathir.

“I went (to US) for Malaysia and for personal reasons.

“We will reveal all later if there is a need.”

He said that prior to the visit, the opposition had claimed that he would not be welcomed into the US.

“Some even said that I would not be invited into the White House. Others said I was afraid to go to the US as I would have been arrested.

“But President Trump has welcomed me beyond my expectations,” said Najib. – September 15, 2017.