Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he will be calling Datuk Seri Najib Razak a criminal whenever needed and claimed that he will always be remembered as a “criminal” in Malaysia’s history books for the 1MDB scandal.
In a series of tweets, Dr Mahathir said Najib’s name is synonymous with 1MDB crimes and it is impossible for him to erase any links he has to the scandal as his name and notoriety has now become known worldwide.
Dr Mahathir added that his attempts to clear his name by claiming it is not wrong for leaders to steal are absolutely shameful.
16. Saya bukanlah seorang sahaja yang menyebut nama Najib dan kaitannya dengan jenayah. Seluruh negara, bahkan seluruh dunia menyebut nama Najib sebagai penjenayah dalam ucapan, tulisan, buku (termasuk buku adiknya), radio dan televisyen dan lain-lain media.
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) February 28, 2022
“I’m not the only one who thinks of Najib’s name and thinks of his crimes. All over the country, the rest of the world, Najib’s name ― synonymous with his crimes ― are presented in speeches, writings, books (including his own brother), radio and television and other media.”
“History books will name and shame Najib as a criminal he is, who stole billions of ringgit and has been convicted in court.”
17. Saya akan sebut nama Najib sebagai penjenayah setiap kali yang diperlukan.
— Dr Mahathir Mohamad (@chedetofficial) February 28, 2022
“I’ll call Najib a criminal whenever needed,” Dr Mahathir said.
He then went on comparing Najib to his father, who was Malaysia’s second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and also being known as the country’s Father of Development.
“Tun Razak became prime minister and he was very much an icon to the country. His name and the development of Malaysia are closely linked. When it is mentioned in Malaysia, the name Tun Razak is thought of.”
“Unfortunately, Najib chose the crime to be closely linked to himself. Unlike his father, Najib sees power as an opportunity to enrich himself,” he said.
Previously, Dr Mahathir had criticised Najib for attempting a comeback while campaigning for Barisan Nasional ahead of the Johor election.
On 28 July 2020, Najib was convicted for 7 charges of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering of about RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
The Court of Appeal later upheld the conviction and 12-year jail term and RM210 million fine on Najib for misappropriating RM42 million in SRC funds, at the same time dismissing his appeal against the KL High Court decision on 28 July 2020.
