GEORGE TOWN – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has denied ever saying “apa lagi Cina mahu” after the 2013 general election, almost a decade ago.
He said the phrase on the front page of a Malay-language daily was used as a “propaganda tool by DAP” because a photo of his face was also used on the same page.
“I repeat that I have never and will never say those words, which I deem are very insensitive and arrogant. That is simply not me,” he said when delivering the opening keynote at the 2nd Penang International Business and International Summit at Spice Arena today.
It is understood that this is the first time Najib has publicly denied saying the phrase. It was used as a headline of the Utusan Malaysia newspaper in May 2013, which was criticised as provocative and divisive.
It then resulted in a police investigation under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948.
Najib then pivoted to tell Penangites to remember Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) “false promises”, especially to abolish toll payment, including those for the Penang Bridge.
The current concessionaire for the first bridge is PLUS Expressways Bhd.
He added that Chinese voters need to remember PH’s “false promise” to give RM1,000 a year to Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (Taruc) students after winning the 2018 general election.
“Well, not only did students not get the RM1,000, but he delivered a mighty big slap to Chinese education when DAP cut the funding to RM5 million from the RM30 million the Barisan Nasional government gave Taruc when I was prime minister,” he said, without mentioning names.
“These are just some of the false promises of their false manifesto. Enough with that, as I am sure you are already well aware.”
Najib promised the return of the country’s economy to strength, as well as the return of foreign investors and good times if BN returns to power with a solid majority.
“Many Chinese have told me that they see with their own eyes and have experienced how the economy had dried up after GE14.
“They tell me this is the fault of the PH government and how the PH government victimised the Chinese community with unfair income tax claims in order to make up for the loss of GST revenue,” he claimed.
There has been much fanfare in Penang as Najib set foot in the state for the first time since he last visited in 2019.
He saw a warm welcome here, as he was greeted by “Bossku” banners around town, while a group of his Chinese supporters welcomed him at Penang International Airport here last night.
He will also be making his rounds at eateries in Weld Quay, Jelutong, Bukit Mertajam, and Machang Bubok before attending the summit’s dinner later today.
Najib will also be meeting the Penang Umno leadership tomorrow before visiting one of the oldest Indian Muslim restaurants here. – The Vibes, March 25, 2022
