Hosting anti-graft conference a disgrace if Najib doesn’t speak, says Kit Siang

Malaysia's hosting of the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) this Wednesday will become a dishonour and disgrace if Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak did not attend or speak at the function, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang said today. Lim, in a statement, said that Najib should have taken the opportunity at IACC, scheduled to take place this week (from Wednesday to Friday), to explain allegations of corruption levelled against him. It has been announced earlier that the prime minister will not speak at the function due to a prior commitment. "Najib could not have made any greater contribution not only to Malaysia but the global battle against corruption if he could come clean and break his silence on the two scandals, which have haunted Malaysia and become the talking point of the 2,000 participants at the IACC in Putrajaya." Failure to do so would mean that this would be the worst Merdeka in Malaysia's 58-year history, Lim said. Najib has been accused of having RM2.6 billion transferred into his personal accounts. He said the money was political donations. Meanwhile, Lim also warned that Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi would be destroying the people's new found respect in the police if he takes action against organisers of the Bersih 4 rally. The police did not take any punitive action during the rally over the weekend, which had attracted tens of thousands of Malaysians over a period of 34 hours. He also commended the police force for their "newfound role" as keepers of peace and not "pawns" of Putrajaya. Praising the success of Bersih 4 rally, Lim said those who attended the gathering regardless of race, religion, region, age, gender or politics were the ones who gave real and true meaning to the word "Merdeka” (independence). "Let us ensure that Merdeka celebrations, like Malaysian nation-building, shall be inclusive to embrace diverse themes which make plural Malaysia full of such promise to be a great nation." Lim said many lessons were also learnt during the Bersih 4 rally, including the way to harness the patriotism, love and energies of Malaysians, particularly from the new generation. He said even former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad started such a process when he made two appearances at the rally. "Although still not advanced enough." – August 31, 2015.