A veteran opposition leader is concerned that Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak may serve as an inspiration for others attending the UN-Asean summit in California next week.

According to Lim Kit Siang, Najib could be “bad influence”.

In a statement today, the DAP lawmaker said some might be inspired to emulate Najib after the premier was cleared of any wrongdoing in the RM2.6 billion donation issue.

"Some might be tempted to think that if Najib could get away with the RM2.6 billion donation scandal in his personal banking accounts without being guilty of any criminal wrongdoing and in tightening the screws on the Official Secrets Act (OSA) to prevent any expose on government abuses of power, negligence, fraud or corruption, Najib should be emulated as an example," he said.

Two weeks ago, attorney-general Mohamed Apandi Ali cleared Najib of any criminal offences in the RM2.6 billion and SRC International cases.

Najib himself has maintained that he had done nothing wrong and had not misused public funds for personal gain.

The prime minister has blamed these allegations on those attempting to topple him.

In an interview published in Sin Chew Daily on Saturday, Apandi said that he plans to strengthen the OSA, so that those who leak government secrets can be jailed for life.

He also said amendments might be sought to impose a similar sentence on media practitioners who refuse to divulge their source when reporting on classified matters.

Buckling international trend

Commenting on this, Lim did not mince his words in denouncing the proposal.

"It is to Malaysia’s shame and disgrace if we are seen as buckling the international trend to combat corruption by tightening the screws on OSA to protect corrupt practices under the guise of 'national security'," he said.

He expressed doubt that the cabinet would oppose Apandi's plans, and now demands that BN component parties, such as MCA, MIC and Gerakan make their stand on this known.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said the US-Asean summit on Feb 15 and 16 aims to strengthen dialogue among the countries involved.

Besides attending the summit, Wisma Putra said Najib will also take part in a roundtable meeting with fund managers, meet with captains of industry as well as visit Apple Inc and TESLA Motors.

Najib will be in California starting tomorrow.