KUCHING, Jan 29: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s statement challenging those who are ashamed of being Malaysian to leave the country has backfired with a local leader urging him to apologise.
“I am proud to be Malaysian but not proud of Najib being my Prime Minister.
“Najib’s careless statements challenging those who are ashamed of being Malaysian to leave Malaysia is very irresponsible and being very personal,” said Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) women national vice-chief Voon Shiak Ni.
Najib had reportedly said civil servants in the country were more patriotic than certain groups because they were loyal and stood firm behind the government in its efforts to safeguard religious, national and state interests.
He also said: “Don’t be not proud of being Malaysians. If you are not proud, go far away; no need to stay here.”
He said that when speaking at a meeting with Kelantan federal and civil servants at the Wisma Persekutuan’s compound at Kota Bharu.
Offended by the statement, Voon, who is also Pakatan Harapan (PH) national women’s chief for Sarawak affairs, said Najib was throwing down a challenge to the 32 million Malaysians to leave the country if they are not happy with the government.
“This is a very shocking statement to come out from the mouth of a top leader in a country,” Voon said in a statement today, adding that it is a cowardly act too.
“If Najib is confident that he is a good PM for the 32 million Malaysians, face the election and let the people use their vote to decide if you can stay as their PM.”
Voon stressed that all Malaysians love Malaysia as this is the place where they were born and grew up with their families.
“We are proud of our country but not proud of our 1MDB scandal-ridden PM and the present corrupt and rotten system in the country.
“Why should we leave Malaysia? Malaysians have the right to vote Najib out this coming general election so I take this (Najib’s) statement as an act of cowardice,” she said.
She urged Najib to make a public apology and to withdraw his statement as it concerns basic respect for the rights of the 32 million Malaysians and the country is not his personal possession. — DayakDaily
