Gossip Malaysia: Najib Explains His No Show

Prime Minister Najib Razak has finally spoken up about the reason behind his decision not to attend the public dialogue Nothing2Hide despite an earlier confirmation from him that he would attend.

 

In a brief statement on Facebook, Najib stated his belief that in order for any meeting or dialogue to yield beneficial results, it must first and foremost be held in a suitable and calm environment.

It is ironic that the event was held at PWTC, the stronghold of UMNO, how could the environment not suitable? And being the Prime Minister, he would be surrounded by the police if not the military to control the situation.

 

He further posted: “If we are sincere and open minded, discussions and dialogue can bring about benefits together,” we have to agree that he is right on this one.

He also said, “I am always ready and committed to meet and have dialogues with non-governmental organisations to discuss issues pertaining to the country and the people.” This statement is hard to believe though.

Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad, a vocal critic of Najib and his handling of 1MDB however was present as early as 9.15am. When the event was officially declared cancelled by the police, he went on to stage and spoke to the crowds.

Needless to say the cancellation of the dialogue, and the police barring Mahathir from speaking inside the hall, left many attendees and NGO’s disappointed and angry.

Najib's no show sparked many criticism from the public. However, the strongest criticism came from former UMNO leader, Khairuddin Abu Hassan who was calling Najib a coward and insisting him to step down.

Gossip Malaysia: Johor Crown Prince Criticizes Najib

Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail has openly attacked Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for not attending the dialogue session dubbed 'Nothing to Hide'.
Tunku Ismail posted on the Johor football team's Facebook page saying: "How can you have a dialogue called 'Nothing2Hide' featuring a person who has everything to hide?
"Obviously he won't show up,"
Tunku Ismail is the Johor Football Association president, and frequently posts his personal views on this Facebook page.

Najib was originally scheduled to attend the dialogue at PWTC but withdrew last minute due to security concerns.
Tunku Ismail further posted: "For those who have been entrusted with the responsibility, do not blame the people for losing confidence and trust in you, but think of why they no longer have the confidence and trust in you," he said

Najib has been heavily scrutinized recently by former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, primarily over the mishandling of the 1MDB debacle.

Mahathir had questioned how the Finance Ministry-owned company could have accumulated RM42 billion in debt within just five years into its operations.

He also took Najib to task for failing to disclose details of how the funds redeemed from 1MDB's account in the Cayman Islands.

Gossip Malaysia: Dr. Mahathir Prohibited From Speaking

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was barred by police from speaking at the Nothing2Hide dialogue session. Five minutes into Dr Mahathir’s speech, several police officers stepped onto stage and asked the former premier to stop giving his talk.

The dialogue session Nothing2Hide between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and NGOs was earlier cancelled by IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar for safety reasons. It is ironic that the main character is 'hiding' from an event called Nothing2Hide. At 10.20 am, organisers, SukaGuam, announced that the event had to be postponed indefinitely after a commotion outside Dewan Tun Hussein Hall here.

The session was originally arranged to begin at 10am where  Najib would answer the public's queries on 1Malaysia Development Berhad among others.

Former prime minister Dr Mahathir was offered the chance to speak when Najib did not turn up.

Dr Mahathir, who has been very critical of Najib and his administration lately, had turned up as early as 9.15am.

Earlier, a spokesperson for the organising secretariat tried to placate an increasingly restless crowd inside the hall, saying they were trying to convince the IGP to allow the event to continue. 

Dr. Mahathir was apparently very disappointed with the absence of the Prime Minister. Mahathir told a press conference that:
“He lost an opportunity to win over support for himself, to explain everything.... no money is missing, or if what Arul said was true, he has that opportunity to explain but he miss that opportunity.”