To clear name, Najib must sue 5 global news agencies, says DAP

KUALA LUMPUR — Prime Minister Najib Razak, who has yet to sue The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) over a report on RM2.6 billion (S$840 million) that went to his personal bank accounts, has another four international media that he should sue as well to clear his name, DAP said today (Sept 27).

DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said besides WSJ, Mr Najib should initiate legal action against Al Jazeera, The New York Times, The Economist and Channel News Asia (CNA) for running reports that have not been flattering to the government.

While Putrajaya was upset with these organisations, it should assess if the international press were irresponsible or if the situation in Malaysia was truly bad, Lim added.

“Who must bear responsibility for the current spate of bad international press by Malaysia, whether printed or electronic – Salleh, Najib or the international media?” Lim said.

He was referring to Communications and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak, who protested against CNA’s documentary on Malaysia titled “A fractured nation” for being biased.

“The pertinent question is whether CNA had irresponsibly given a bad image of a good condition in Malaysia, or had truthfully reflected what is undoubtedly a bad situation in Malaysia,” Mr Lim added.

Mr Salleh and Mr Najib have been saying that recent reports by international media have not portrayed an accurate picture of Malaysia.

“What other fairy tales (do) Najib’s highly-paid publicists and communicators want Malaysians to believe?” Mr Lim said. WSJ reported on July 2 the RM2.6 billion “donation” in Najib’s personal banking accounts.

Al Jazeera on the murder of Mongolian woman Altantuya Shaariibuu in its 101 East current affairs programme, “Murder in Malaysia” on September 11.

The New York Times on a US federal grand jury inquiry into allegations of corruption and money laundering involving Najib and people close to him on 21 September.

The Economist wrote “Race in Malaysia: playing with fire” on September 24, criticising Putrajaya’s attempts to exploit racial sentiments.

CNA re-capped the current state of Malaysia under Mr Najib amid alleged financial scandal over 1Malaysia Development Berhad, the Bersih 4 rally which demanded his resignation and the subsequent “red shirts” rally that was racial in nature. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER