War of words between Najib and Kit Siang over Islam-kleptocracy remark

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has demanded Lim Kit Siang to apologise over alleged remarks of linking kleptocracy to Islam.

The Pekan MP was referring to the DAP stalwart’s statement on Saturday (July 28), which purportedly claimed that “Najib had succeeded in equating Islam with kleptocracy in Malaysia”.

Lim, however, denied issuing such remarks in a statement on Sunday (July 29), and questioned how low Najib could stoop in making a wild, false and unfounded claim.

“Lim should just apologise and no longer attempt to make such a link to Islam or to any religion that is not his own,” said Najib in a statement issued Sunday (July 29).

At the same time, Najib also published an excerpt of Lim’s scathing remarks to refute the Iskandar Puteri MP’s denial.

“The headline clearly shows that Kit Siang has tried to link Islam with kleptocracy. What he is saying is that if BN wins the by-election, it means that Islam is equal to kleptocracy? Najib questioned.

According to Najib, Lim had clearly implied that Islam is not equal to kleptocracy, only if Pakatan Harapan wins the Sungai Kandis by-elections.

“If this is not what he means, then what does he mean by making this link? Was there even a need for him to make such a link out of the blue in the first place?”

Najib, however, said he does not wish to prolong this argument anymore, as Barisan Nasional is currently focussing in running a clean, healthy and peaceful campaign in the Sungai Kandis by election.

“Unlike others, we do not have to resort to bribing voters with free durians or illegally using school facilities for campaigning.

“However, Lim’s ridiculous attempt to link Islam with Kleptocracy is very regrettable.

Najib also added that the statement was written in English because Lim had allegedly accused the former of not understanding the latter’s statement in English.

“Despite such clear evidence of Lim’s intent, his claim that he did not make this link or that i do not understand his statement, is merely his attempt to ‘baling batu, sembuyi tangan’ (throw stones and hid his hands).

The Sungai Kandis by-election, which is set to see a three-cornered fight between Pakatan, Umno and an independent candidate, will take place next Saturday (August 4).