Bad press, foreign probes into 1MDB originate from here, says Annuar

All the negative press on the country and probes by Switzerland, Hong Kong and Singapore authorities into state investor 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) originated from Malaysia, Umno’s new information chief said, according to a report in The Sunday Star. “It is not coming from overseas,” Tan Sri Annuar Musa said, when asked about Malaysia’s reputation having taken a beating internationally and the overseas probes into 1MDB. “We know what is happening. It is not coming from overseas. It originates from here. “We know the modus operandi because we were part of it before. “Sometimes, if they fail and cannot have their way in the country, they use certain contacts overseas to do something. “Let the process go on because we are borderless. It doesn’t matter,” he was quoted as saying. However, Annuar said there was a need to continue making assessments, given that it was important to maintain the country’s image in the international arena. He added that the prime minister was well respected abroad, based on his experiences following Datuk Seri Najib Razak. “I’ve followed the prime minister to some countries and I feel very happy to see how leaders from other countries receive our PM. “Our ministers still enjoy high respect in the international community.” Annuar said when certain local issues were taken overseas, people in those countries were not really bothered. “Sometimes we try to make it seem like it is something very big. “But if you look at it from the international perspective, it is not something of concern to the international community. “People may spin what I am saying, if they take it in bad taste.” Commenting on the RM2.6 billion donation issue, Annuar said the amount for just one general election was not that big, adding that the opposition would also have handled vast amounts of funds and have their own way of doing things. He added that there must be rules in place as a benchmark for the dos and don’ts. “You must have rules in place. That is the benchmark for the dos and the don’ts. It is the law that decides. “If you don’t have a law, then where is the benchmark? “RM2.6 billion to face one general election is not big,” he was quoted as saying. Annuar told the English daily that it would be very unethical for the prime minister and Umno president if the party did not have enough money to face the general election. “It’s as simple as that! You must have enough money. “Within the Umno system, funding comes only from the president. “The party machinery and everyone will ask for money from the party president, whoever the party president is. “And this is something we have to refrain from discussing in public. “I can say something about how (Tun) Dr Mahathir (Mohamad) handled elections, some of the things I saw with my own eyes. “But if we continue to discuss this, we fall into the trap of the opposition.” – February 14, 2016.