Malaysia PM defends himself against mounting criticism

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has defended himself against a slew of criticisms over corruption scandals and a crackdown on civil liberties, brushing aside suggestions that he should step down.

"I was elected by my party, and by the people of this country, to lead them. As such, I am answerable only to the people - not to any one individual," Mr Najib said in an interview on state-controlled television broadcast late Thursday night.

Mr Najib has come under fire over a state-owned investment company he launched, now mired in US$11 billion of debt and allegations of fraud and huge sums of missing money.

His government - long accused of using security laws to stifle dissent - this week also triggered outrage by passing a tough anti-terrorism act allowing authorities to detain suspects without charge in the Muslim-majority country.

It also toughened penalties under a sedition law - used against dozens of government critics over the past year - to a maximum 20-year jail term, up from three years.

"Contrary to what some are suggesting, these laws will not be used against critics of the government," Mr Najib said of the terrorism legislation, according to an English translation of his comments released by his office.

"Rather, they will be an extra tool for dealing with the militant threat that all countries face." The prime minister was forced to respond after hardline former leader Mahathir Mohamad last week stepped up a campaign to remove Najib, who came into office in 2009 promising clean government and a more relaxed rule.

Mr Mahathir had demanded answers on the scandal surrounding the state investment fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

Fears that 1MDB could collapse have rattled the ringgit currency.

"I recognise that there are a number of questions swirling around 1MDB. Some of these questions are valid, but there are others that appear to be directed at the company solely with the intention of creating controversy," Mr Najib said.

Mr Mahathir, 89, spearheaded a successful campaign to oust Mr Najib's predecessor, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, in 2009.

The retired former premier also waded into taboo territory recently by raising a past scandal linked to Mr Najib involving the 2002 purchase of French submarines.

The deal has been clouded by allegations of huge kickbacks to Malaysian officials and the still-murky 2006 murder of a Mongolian woman involved in negotiations, amid suspicions she was killed to silence her about the deal.

Mr Najib did not address the issue in his interview.

Mr Najib led the ruling coalition dominated by his United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) - in power for 58 years - to its worst election showing ever in 2013.

His government has cracked down since then, arresting scores of critics on a range of charges.

The terrorism and sedition laws have been denounced by international rights groups, but Mr Najib said Thursday both were necessary to safeguard stability.

Political analysts say Mr Najib retains control of his ruling party and looked unlikely to be ousted for now.

AFP