CHAOS had erupted in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Nov 18) when it was revealed that the Government was considering rewarding Datuk Seri Najib Razak with land and a home worth RM100 mil.
This had occurred after former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had asked Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz during the latter’s Budget 2022 debate wind-up if the RM100 mil “gift” to Najib was part of the Budget.
In response, Najib had taken to Facebook to point out that he had merely asked for a home accorded to all former prime ministers under the law.
“I didn’t ask for a gift of RM100 mil from the government or asked them to spend money on land; only for a home that is given to all former prime ministers,” he said.
The Pekan MP further remarked that his office had merely applied for a home after the 14th General Election (GE14) under an Act amended during Dr Mahathir’s tenure as premier.
“The Government offered me three pieces of land to choose from and so I did. I chose the location near Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka because my family felt that the location was the most suitable for them.”
Netizens were, however, unimpressed, with many calling the former prime minister’s request shameless and insensitive.
Meanwhile, user @The_Endie noted that former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi received a house that cost less than RM100 mil, whereas Dr Mahathir resides in his own house at The Mines.
“[Is it logical] that a former PM be gifted a RM100 mil home after being found guilty in court? He is so shameless…doesn’t he realise that he is a criminal?”
User @FujiyamaOden predicted, however, that Najib will end up getting what he wants as it is his “right”.
“[…] because it is worth denying all the other [rights] of school children, migrant workers, local workers [and] contract doctors,” the user pointed out sarcastically. – Nov 19, 2021
