Malaysia's reputation 'damaging' but Najib position as PM unshaken, says think tank

Datuk Seri Najib Razak's political position as Premier is unlikely to be threatened by the latest revelation involving state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), according to think tank the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS).

IDEAS Chief Executive Officer Wan Saiful Wan Jan said Najib's political future could only be threatened by the members and leaders of UMNO, and not by any outside powers.

"So far there is no sign that UMNO is sensitive to the damage inflicted to our country by this saga," he added.

Wan Saiful viewed statements such as what was heard yesterday from Malaysia's Minister of Information — that "1MDB had been the subject of unprecedented politically-motivated attacks, the objectives of which were to unseat a democratically-elected head of government" — indicative as to why Najib's political future will remain secure, despite this recent development.

"Najib's position as Prime Minister is secure, as long as his position as President of UMNO is safe. UMNO members generally decide based on local considerations, and just like any other political party, they will prioritise their own political survival. That is the bottom line, " he said.




However, he opined that the government should not take the actions in the U.S. and Singapore lightly, as these were damaging to Malaysia’s reputation and raised questions about the government's credibility.

“The actions are damaging to Malaysia's reputation and they raise serious questions about the credibility of the government's claim that there is no wrongdoing in the 1MDB saga. More importantly, it raises questions on whether or not we can trust what our government says." he said.

However, he did not think these actions would inflict long term damage to bilateral relationships between Malaysia and the U.S., or Malaysia and Singapore.  

“The relationships between us and these countries go back many decades. They are certainly bigger than any one person, regardless of who he or she may be," he said.

For him, Malaysia may experience some strain and tension in the immediate future, but over time, it will get through the rough patches.

He emphasised that maintaining good relationships with these two allies are more important to Malaysia, than protecting any individual.


Source -The Edge-