KJ again dodges queries about Dr M's criticisms
Koh Jun LinPublished: Sep 11, 2014 6:00 AM | Updated: Sep 11, 2014 2:10 PM
Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar has again sidestepped questions regarding former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticisms against the current administration.
Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar has again sidestepped questions regarding former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s criticisms against the current administration.
When asked today to comment on Mahathir’s blog posting yesterday about the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), he declined.
“I don’t know, I’m not familiar with 1MDB. I just deal with sports, I don’t understand 1MDB,” the youth and sports minister said.
Previously, he had similarly sidestepped commenting on Mahathir’s criticisms, saying that he does not want to create a misunderstanding, but he had acknowledged that the government should respond to the former premier.
“About the comments or criticism by Mahathir against our prime minister, I take the stance that is better for me not to comment as I do not want Mahathir to misunderstand.
“Because from before, I have been public enemy number one for Mahathir,” he told reporters on Aug 21, after Mahathir expressed regret in supporting the current Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Yesterday, Mahathir expressed concern that Malaysia may not be able to pay off 1MDB’s debts, which Reuters said in June amounts to US$11 billion (RM35.51 billion).
1MDB is wholly-owned by the government, while Najib chairs its advisory board.
On another matter, Khairy said the government remains committed in repealing the Sedition Act, but is still trying to balance between allowing greater freedoms and ensuring sufficient safeguards against actions that could threaten national harmony.
“There are two parties - one want to see more freedom and there is another equally big party wants legislation that will maintain the sensitivities of Malaysians, so there is a limit to the freedom we have...
“We are still trying to strike a balance between greater freedoms, because this is the demands of contemporary politics and the basic right of Malaysian citizens, as well as for the other side to have safeguards against absolute freedom.
“We cannot have people insulting religion, race or rulers - this is the balance we must strike,” he said.
The consultation process for the laws that would replace the Sedition Act is still ongoing, he said.
However he stressed that the proposals by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) are merely suggestions and only the Attorney-General’s Chambers has the power to make draft bills.
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When asked today to comment on Mahathir’s blog posting yesterday about the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), he declined.
“I don’t know, I’m not familiar with 1MDB. I just deal with sports, I don’t understand 1MDB,” the youth and sports minister said.Previously, he had similarly sidestepped commenting on Mahathir’s criticisms, saying that he does not want to create a misunderstanding, but he had acknowledged that the government should respond to the former premier.
“About the comments or criticism by Mahathir against our prime minister, I take the stance that is better for me not to comment as I do not want Mahathir to misunderstand.
“Because from before, I have been public enemy number one for Mahathir,” he told reporters on Aug 21, after Mahathir expressed regret in supporting the current Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Yesterday, Mahathir expressed concern that Malaysia may not be able to pay off 1MDB’s debts, which Reuters said in June amounts to US$11 billion (RM35.51 billion).
1MDB is wholly-owned by the government, while Najib chairs its advisory board.On another matter, Khairy said the government remains committed in repealing the Sedition Act, but is still trying to balance between allowing greater freedoms and ensuring sufficient safeguards against actions that could threaten national harmony.
“There are two parties - one want to see more freedom and there is another equally big party wants legislation that will maintain the sensitivities of Malaysians, so there is a limit to the freedom we have...
“We are still trying to strike a balance between greater freedoms, because this is the demands of contemporary politics and the basic right of Malaysian citizens, as well as for the other side to have safeguards against absolute freedom.
“We cannot have people insulting religion, race or rulers - this is the balance we must strike,” he said.
The consultation process for the laws that would replace the Sedition Act is still ongoing, he said.
However he stressed that the proposals by the National Unity Consultative Council (NUCC) are merely suggestions and only the Attorney-General’s Chambers has the power to make draft bills.
Related stories
Dr M rues 'lazy' Malays, cites naked Japanese
Mahathir worried Malays are tempting fate
Rafizi: 1MDB's RM30bil debt a threat to us
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