PUTRAJAYA: The negative perceptions created of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd issue have led the public to become suspicious of the state investment arm, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"Certain quarters had painted the deal as if it was to save 1MDB and because of the perception, everyone was against it and we are seen as guilty," he said.
The Prime Minister said he was saddened that due to such perception which were spread through the social media, nothing good had came out from any of the 1MDB initiatives and efforts.
“It is as if 1MDB has not done anything good.
“The perception has clouded our minds and because of that, efforts and initiatives that bring benefits to the people has now become something wrong,” he said at the presentation of offer letters to 1,200 imam and chairmen of village security and development committees under the Prime Minister-1MDB Foundation haj sponsorship programme.
Najib said when there was attack on 1MDB, it looked as if 1MDB had not contributed at all.
“Why do we look at 1MDB as if it is bad. 1MDB has done a lot and its initiatives and efforts had benefitted many,” he said.
Najib added that when the mind was clouded by perception, the people were not interested anymore in finding the truth.
“This is when we have a situation where one is already seen guilty on the social media before being proven innocent.
“We are no longer interested in verifying things on social media,” he said.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
