Najib says he follows practice on political funds

comments     Bernama     Published     Updated

Najib Abdul  Razak said today his receipt of political funds was a practice in the party and as the president of Umno, he was only continuing that practice.

The prime minister said seeking funds to meet the party and community's needs was part of the party president's duty and this was never disputed before.

   

"When I was deputy president, I never questioned about the party's funds; that was the work of the party president.

"(This) also happened during Tun's (Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s) time… I was just continuing the practice," Najib said in his speech at the opening of the Pasir Gudang Umno division delegates' meeting in Johor Baru today.

Saying that it was not an easy job as party president, Najib added that he had to work hard at finding funds for the party, but ensuring that it did not contravene the law.

'Many will ask for funds... but from whom can I ask?'

"When one becomes party president, many will ask (for funds)...the party machinery cannot move when the money does not come, even the menteris besar can ask from me… but from whom can I ask? That is why I have to work at it.

   

That was also why the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission had said that what I received was not from 1MDB (1Malaysia Development Bhd) and not a bribe, but a contribution for the party and for corporate social responsibility (CSR)... not for my self interest," he said.

Najib again chided the opposition which rejected the proposal for the disclosure of political fund sources which he had made four years ago.

On his recent cabinet reshuffle, the prime minister stressed that it was not aimed at hurting the feelings of Johor people.

"It was a very difficult decision but for certain reasons, it had to be made in the interest of politics....not to hurt the Johoreans," he said.

In the cabinet reshuffle, Najib had dropped his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, who is also the member of Parliament for Pagoh.

- Bernama



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