Prime Minister Najib Razak has been told to end his "elegant silence" over contradictions between his siblings' statement and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) attributing his expenditure to his father's wealth.

"Elegant silence is no option for the PM to the swirling national and international controversy since the New York Time s report on Feb 9 quoting a statement from the PMO attributing his expenditure, including the multi-million dollar purchases of his wife's jewellery, to his inheritance," DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said in a statement today.

 

Lim said he concurred with Najib's four brothers, who on Tuesday issued a rare joint statement expressing concern over the PMO's clarification related to their father, second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein.

 

"I can vouch that Razak was known for his frugality and utmost integrity as I had, on no occasion in my years in Parliament from 1971 to 1976 when he was the prime minister, raised any issue casting any doubt on his integrity.

 

"As the reputation of two prime ministers - father and son - are at stake, Najib must answer simply and fully to all the swirling controversies… and not await until the matter is pursued by MPs in Parliament when it is reconvened on March 9.

 

"Or is Najib preparing to make a ministerial statement on the subject on the first debate day of Parliament on May 10?" the Gelang Patah MP asked.

The controversy arose when the PMO on Feb 9 clarified with the New York Times that Najib's lifestyle is not unusual "for a person of the prime minister’s position, responsibilities and legacy (of) family assets".

Najib’s name was conspicuously missing from the joint statement by his siblings led by youngest brother Nazir, who is CIMB chairperson, and co-signed by Johari, Nizam and Nazim, over the PMO's clarification.

 

"We are extremely concerned that some recent news ​articles and postings​ have given rise to speculation as to the nature and extent of the inheritance that our​ late​ father, Abdul ​R​azak​, ​had ​left​ behind.

 

"We take issue with anyone who taints his memory, whatever the motive. We would also like to add that our whole family is united on this issue," said the four brothers in the brief statement.