Action can be taken against those tarnishing country’s image, says Anifah

PUTRAJAYA: Action may be taken against anyone who tries to tarnish the image of the country by criticising the Government and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, says Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.

“Wait until Hari Raya is over. Right now I do not have an announcement to make,” the Foreign Minister said Wednesday, referring to the kind of action to be taken.

Asked if any action would be taken against Sarawak Report and the Wall Street Journal, Anifah said, “maybe … maybe.”

He said if the website and publication were banned, the public would accuse the Government of trying to restrict or stifle the press.

“But when it comes to the point of national interest we will take whatever action is deemed fit and acceptable,” he said after breaking fast with Wisma Putra staff and foreign dignitaries.

On Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting which had discussed the allegations by WSJ, Anifah said such discussions were normal.

“It is the norm to discuss all issues. We are satisfied with the Prime Minister's explanation,” he said.

Last Friday, WSJ published a report alleging that nearly US$700mil (RM2.6bil) of 1MDB funds had been channelled into the personal bank accounts of the Prime Minister. – Bernama