PETALING JAYA: There is no need to bring up past issues, especially one that has been investigated, tried and concluded in the Federal Court, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in reference to the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.
The Prime Minister was answering various questions raised by "certain parties" involving several issues including the Altantuya case and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) in an extensive post on his blog Sunday.
Najib did not state whom he was responding to, but the web address (www.najibrazak.com/tun-m-faq) of his entry contains the words "Tun M", a moniker commonly used for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
In his response to allegations about the Altantuya case, Najib said that it was "disturbing that the issue was brought up once again."
"We all know that if veteran leaders insist on bringing it up, even in passing, it would automatically cause the issue to be resurrected again," he said.
The Prime Minister said the case had been investigated, tried and concluded in the Federal Court with the appellants given ample time to give their full account and tell the Courts everything.
"Such influential individuals have many resources. When the issue erupted, I believe they would still have been able to verify the validity of the allegations. If they believed this to be true, why did they not raise it when the issue erupted eight years ago?" asked Najib.
On the allegations against 1MDB, Najib, who is its chairman, said it was unfair for certain politicians to convict the Government in the court of public opinion before the actual facts were laid down by lawful authorities, namely the Auditor-General and the bi-partisan Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
"We all want detailed answers but it is only proper to let the auditors do their job and tell us clearly what the situation really is.
"If we pre-empt it, we would be undermining them, as many others have done. This is not the proper procedure.
"If we are sincere in finding out the truth behind those allegations, we need to information from legitimate sources (like the Auditor-General) and not third party news portal or online blogs that might have hidden agendas," he said.
On claims that he did worse as an Umno president that Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Najib said Barisan Nasional won 11 state governments compared to nine in the previous general election.
"To fully turn around Barisan, I need time, insyallah (god willing) the impact of the Transformation Programme that is already happening will assure the people that the BN-led government is able to deliver its promise," he said.
He also denied claims that Barisan would lose the upcoming General Election under his leadership, citing several Government initiatives and the country's economic and GDP growth.
"Improvements are happening before our eyes. But I know many would of course rather look at the bad and continue to harp on never ending rumours, half-truths, and spins," he said.
In defending the use of the Government aircraft, Najib said it was a standard practice across the world for most leaders to use official jets, not for luxury, but for efficiency in carrying out their duties.
"The cost of maintaining an old aircraft is high. The older craft is being disposed of and the money the Government makes from its sale will clearly reduce the cost paid for the new aircraft," he said.
