Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin was concerned and surprised by the action and statement made by Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah with regard to the government's decision on the Kelantan oil royalty issue.

The deputy prime minister said he was surprised because Razaleigh's action and statements were contradictory with the government's decision on the issue, especially after the government had taken steps to provide detailed explanation and clarification.  

Muhyiddin said Razaleigh, who is the Gua Musang Umno division chief, had also met Prime Minister Najib Razak regarding the matter.

"I was informed that he, (Razaleigh) met the prime minister but cannot understand why he is continuing with such action.

"His actions are as if he is the only one fighting for the rights of the Kelantan people and that the Federal government does not have any consideration," he told reporters after launching the Transformation of Polytechnics programme in Putrajaya today.

NONE Razaleigh ( right ) was quoted as saying that the clarification on the Kelantan oil royalty, advertised by the government in local dailies recently, would raise more negative implications and confusion rather than offering clarification.

Muhyiddin who is also Umno deputy president said Kelantan Umno and BN  leaders had briefed and clarified the oil royalty issue and such process would continue.

"We will not stop because they have taken action from the political point... we are taking steps to explain the actual situation," he said.

He added that many Kelantanese, including professionals and the educated, agree and accept that the decision by the government to channel compassionate payment was a correct move and was not against the law.

‘We’re watching Ku Li’

Muhyiddin ( below ) added that Umno was studying the action and statements made by Razaleigh, although they were done in his personal capacity.

NONE "We will monitor the situation... he will finally realize. This is not about victimising the people of Kelantan or anybody else. We are providing clarification based on the actual rights.

"If they considered our action is against the law, we told them to take the matter to court. But according to PAS secretary-general Datuk Mustapa Ali, such an action will not be taken.

"So, they just want to politicise an issue that had already been clarified from the legal aspect... we will not do anything that contradicts the law. So, I hope the people of Kelantan understand, just like in Terengganu... the government was considerate to offer the payment and it is not about oil royalty.

"We do not use the word royalty. We have explained the compassionate term. We offered help based on compassion and the people must accept the clarification as the truth," he said.

- Bernama