KUALA LUMPUR: People should not misinterpret the message from the Rulers in their recent statement and put words in their mouth, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.
He said there was no evidence that the Conference of Rulers said it had lost confidence in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Rulers stressed that all concerned should extend “real and sincere” cooperation to ensure that investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) achieve their objectives.
“The findings of the investigation must be reported comprehensively and in a transparent manner so the people will be convinced of the sincerity of the Government which shall not at all conceal facts and the truth,” the Rulers said in the statement released by the Keeper of the Rulers’ Seal Datuk Seri Syed Danial Syed Ahmad.
Hishammuddin said that any allegation against Najib was irresponsible and unfair.
“If the Rulers had lost confidence (in the Prime Minister), they could have just said it. They need not use 1MDB,” he told reporters after attending the revamped National Service 2.0 at the ministry here yesterday.
He said the Rulers’ statement was not new as the Prime Minister had already promised that the 1MDB issue would be resolved.
“The process will involve schedules that will require us to restructure to rationalise 1MDB, its accountability as well as the investigation aspect to ensure that any party who has broken the law will be brought to justice,” he said, adding that what the Rulers had said was what ministers had been advised at cabinet level and by the Prime Minister himself.
Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin had also welcomed the proclamation by the Rulers calling for the 1MDB issue to be settled speedily and action taken against those found to be implicated.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said National Service 2.0 would equip trainees with skills to counter new terrorism threats under its nationalism module.
He said this was essential considering new global threats like Islamic State (IS). He also expressed the importance of training youths on core values like unity, volunteerism, and patriotism.
The new national service training will also see trainees undergo English language proficiency and computer literacy training. The programme resumes next month.
Some 110,000 to 120 trainees will be accepted each year beginning January next year. Previously, 80,000 to 90,000 were selected annually.
– The Star
Foto-The Sun Daily
