PM's defence of Singapore raises more suspicion

By FMT Staff

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s call to Malaysians to keep an open mind on his decisions involving Singapore in the Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) land swap deal and investments in Iskandar Malaysia (IM), has drawn flak from the opposition and raised even more suspicion.

Jerai MP Mohd Firdaus Jaafar said as long as Najib does not explain the true reason behind his decision to surrender the KTMB land in Tanjung Pagar to Singapore and the deals struck with the island republic over investments in IM, “there will always be suspicion”.

“Najib wants us (PAS) and the rakyat to maintain an open mind and attitude towards IM when he has not revealed to the people his motive for being pally with Singapore.”

“As such, it is only fair that the rakyat question his (Najib's) actions. Why is he so concerned about safeguarding Singapore’s interest in the Iskandar region?”

"If you look at IM, what kind of profit will the rakyat enjoy when their land is being sold to foreigners? Why is Najib encouraging Singapore’s interference in IM?” he asked.

Firdaus, who is also the PAS election department Youth chief, said Najib’s actions, which appeared to sell the nation’s sovereignty, had led to increased awareness among the people, especially the Malays.

Last month, several Pakatan Rakyat leaders had alleged that Najib’s decision to surrender Tanjung Pagar to Singapore was not legal because the issue was not raised in Parliament and brought before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Arbitrary moves

Firdaus said, given these arbitrary moves by the government, it was now important for the people to set aside their political differences and view the actions of the leaders rationally.

“It is time we set aside our political differences and defend our sovereignty. We cannot allow certain leaders to betray the country for their own selfish ends.

“We must collectively, irrespective of whether we are supporters of BN or the opposition, send a reminder to the leadership by voting for change in the 13th general election,” he said.

Najib had, while officiating at the Pulai Umno division delegates convention in Johor Baru last night, reportedly urged Malaysians to maintain an open attitude in evaluating the federal government’s dealings with Singapore.

Quoting a Bernama report, Firdaus said: “Najib said if we want to see Iskandar Malaysia and Johor succeed, then we must keep an open attitude towards all investments.”

Najib had also said that “investments in the commercial Iskandar region should prioritise profits irrespective of whether the investments were from the US or Singapore”.

“What is the difference between American and Singaporean investments?

“There is no difference... as long as both are profitable (to us),” Najib had said.