Malaysia

Najib denies saying ‘apa lagi Cina mahu?’, almost a decade later

Phrase on front page of Malay daily used as DAP propaganda tool, says ex-PM

Updated 2 years ago · Published on 25 Mar 2022 11:30AM

Najib denies saying ‘apa lagi Cina mahu?’, almost a decade later
It is understood that this is the first time Datuk Seri Najib Razak (pic) has publicly denied saying the phrase, which was used as a headline of the Utusan Malaysia newspaper in May 2013 and criticised as provocative and divisive. – SOFIA NASIR/The Vibes pic, March 25, 2022

by Sofia Nasir

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

Related News

Malaysia / 2d

Najib called the shots on SRC matters, including RM4 bil KWAP loan: ex-director

Malaysia / 2w

AGC yet to decide on Najib’s request to drop charges of RM27 mil SRC case

Malaysia / 1mth

Jasmine Loo formerly worked for Jho Low, monthly salary RM45,000

Malaysia / 1mth

Cops investigating Tony Pua for comments that allegedly insulted Agong

Opinion / 1mth

Pardons Board decision on Najib: Have trust in the process – Hafiz Hassan

Malaysia / 1mth

‘Unjustified amnesty’: Civil society coalition wants AG’s written opinion to Pardons Board disclosed

Spotlight

Events

UK alumni lauded for stellar achievements as British Council observes 75 years in Malaysia

Malaysia

Don’t let politicians, activists stir up hatred against KK Mart, PBK tells cops

By The Vibes Team

Malaysia

7.7 mil people registered in Padu, 2.5 mil cyberattacks, but not one success: Rafizi

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Farewell Aunty Bersih, you will be missed

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Couple make two trips to workshop to find trapped kitten in car

Malaysia

KK Mart founder, director charged with wounding religious feelings of others over 'Allah' socks

By The Vibes Team

You may be interested

Malaysia

Review of taxation structure, SARA among focus of parliament today

Malaysia

Unfair for government to deny rakyat subsidies based on Padu registration, says SUPP youth

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Nuzul Al-Quran: PM calls on Muslims to analyse, interpret the Quran

Malaysia

Water bombing carried out to douse massive Sarawak forest fires

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Sabah orders immediate water supply to over 50,000 households

By Jason Santos

Malaysia

Forest fires at Sarawak-Brunei border the size of 220 football fields

By Stephen Then

Malaysia

Anwar receives courtesy call from Indian External Affairs Minister

Malaysia

Sabah polls: We will let BN leadership decide on partners, says Bung

By Jason Santos