NINE QUESTIONS FOR SARAWAK REPORT: CURRENT / PM NAJIB AND HIS SUCCESSFUL BACK-TO-BACK BILATERAL VISITS TO THE US AND UK

WE note with great interest the recent developments surrounding the Malaysian Primus Inter Pares, PM Najib Tun Razak and his key visits to the United States of America - at the invitation of President Donald Trump, and to the United Kingdom to visit Prime Minister Theresa May to discuss common issues and renew Malaysia's bilateral relationships with both countries' new leaders.

Recent weeks leading up to the visit had seen a vehement stepping up of media and political attacks ranging from the quintessential (but lately quieting down) 1MDB allegations, to the more absurd telling-to of President Trump on the demerits of PM Najib Tun Razak's very important visit to deter the President from going ahead with the planned meet - all of those efforts having by now been proven to have been a major waste of time and resources, not to mention credibility.

Some claims even pointed out to the possibility that the visit was solicited through a large sum of money paid to lobbyists, while ignoring the fact that it was President Trump himself who extended the invitation to PM Najib.

Plus, it is important to note that contrary to some wild rumours circulating in the Malaysian political conversation, PM Najib was not arrested during his visit.

We happily select some of the news articles surrounding this whole episode, and we hope you will enjoy the story by hindsight as we in the Panel had as this drama was unfolding.

Grab some 🍿, sit back and enjoy this latest episode in "How the Malaysian Coup Facepalmed and How the Plotters Got Butthurt", brought you by the Malaysian Dungu Action Party (DAP) and their attendants in Pakatan Har^pan.

– The NINE QUESTIONS Panel

👇🏽

– - –

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

REPORTED BY THE MALAY MAIL

US President Donald Trump welcoming Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the White House in Washington, September 12, 2017.
Photo: Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 –

I never intended to write this piece but the nonsense that I have been reading on social media in the past three days has compelled me to put to writing to separate fact from fiction.

I was part of the Malaysian press corp that covered the trip and before anyone says it, I will tell you that every single newspaper and TV station paid for their own trip and not the government.

So do not accuse me of being bribed.

How long did they meet?

Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his team met with President Donald Trump and his senior Cabinet members for over 50 minutes of which the Prime Minister met President Trump one-to-one for 20 minutes.

Many critics have pointed to the five-minute video and transcript released by the White House, presuming that it was the only amount of time Najib and team got from their American host.
This is nonsense.

What was released by the White House was nothing more than the opening remarks by the two leaders for the benefit of the tens of TV cameras and a dozen-odd newsmen present in the Cabinet Room in the West Wing of the White House.
It was just a show for the benefit of the cameras and sound bite for the newsmen. What they spoke after the cameras and journalists were gone was much more in depth but unlike the opposition politicians, I will not speculate what was said exactly because I was not there then.
The Opposition leaders were quick to jump on the transcript and video as though that was all that had happened.
But I can confirm that the transcript of the opening remarks was accurate because I was there.
The White House’s protocol officer David Solomon had briefed everyone that we were going into the Cabinet Room just for the opening remarks and would have to leave before the actual meeting started.
The transcript released by the White House was for the benefit of the newsmen present so that they got their quotes correct. As we all know the White House press corp are not very friendly to Trump. So it was released to ensure no one in the US media can misquote him.
As a result, none of the American print media bothered to use much of the transcript at all.
Anything that sounds good for Trump is not news for the US print media.
So the truth is that the bilateral meeting between the American and Malaysian team lasted 30 minutes and not the mere six minutes.
We were told by press officers from both side the two leaders also had a separate meeting with each other in the Oval Room which lasted about 20 minutes.
The EPF investment
Our Employees Provident Fund have been investing in the US equity market since 2008 when the law was amended to allow EPF to invest overseas. As part of the Capital Controls Act introduced in 1998, the EPF was previously not allowed to do so.
In fact, the EPF has invested some US$26 billion since 2008 and has made good returns. If one looks at the markets in Malaysia and compares it with the US after 2008, one will see that the US equity has offered better returns than ours.
I strongly suspect that the majority of over 5.5 per cent dividends that we have been getting since 2009 came from the overseas investments that the EPF has been making.
Below are the dividends EPF has been paying out from 2001 to 2017:

There is a very high level EPF investment committee made up of respectable professionals.

If Najib had so much control over the EPF then the EPF should be asked to reveal where and what they are investing but the EPF investments are secret. They move so much money in and out of the country that if they let on when and what they are investing in, the money market speculators will make a killing.

On top of the return on the investment, we can safely say that the EPF must have also made a killing from the depreciated ringgit.

Propping up the US economy

This is probably just posturing on the part of Najib in front of an American leader who is out to “make America great again.”

EPF would have already decided what and where they will invest even before Najib’s visit and the decision was based on returns and not to prop up the US economy.

Trump has made it known from when he was campaigning that rebuilding ageing American infrastructure was among his priority. Thus it will only make sense to invest in equities and funds that will benefit from this policy.

So in that sense Malaysia will be investing in making “America great again” but everyone forgets that EPF will probably make a lot of money from doing so.

Najib’s visit to Washington came in the light of a list of countries listed as “Trade Cheats” who are responsible for America’s nearly US$50 billion trade deficit.

Said to be targeted at China, the other countries list are Japan, Germany, Mexico, Ireland, Vietnam, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, India, Thailand, France, Switzerland, Taiwan, Indonesia and Canada.

Najib came knowing that he had to show to Trump that trade is a two-way thing and was in Washington bearing goodies.

This was why he chose the phrase “value proposition” when talking about the investments.

Previous Malaysian prime ministers went to the US with the intention of getting investors to come to Malaysia. Najib wanted to show Trump that he was not there to do the same.

Working trip

Najib’s visit to the White House was a working visit at the invitation of Trump. It is not an official or state visit. So far Trump has not invited anyone to Washington for an official or state visit.

Beyond all the pomp and formality, this visit was about business.

Trump broke all protocol when it came to Najib and reminded all his officers twice “he is my friend”.

First was when Najib arrived. Usual protocol would have the Vice-President (in this case Mike Pence) to receive the visiting VIP but Trump decided he would welcome Najib himself at the door.

This was the first time when he told his protocol officer, “he is my friend.”

The second time was when Najib was about to leave. Usually the US president would see his guest to the door of his Oval Office but Trump walked Najib all the way to the downstairs gate to his car.

Again, he brushed off reminders of the protocol by saying “he is my friend.”

As widely reported the two leaders struck up a friendship when they played golf at one of Trump’s golf course. There is a picture of that event in Najib’s office which Trump inscribed on the picture, “To my favourite PM.”

Yes, the two men spoke about golf on this trip but did not play as it was meant for business.

Why then did Najib decided to stay at the Trump International Hotel?

Because it was the best one in town and was situated just between the White House and the Capitol Hill. It made logistical sense.

Trump had promised when he became president that any profit made from visiting leaders who stayed at the hotel would be donated to charity. He didn’t make a cent from Najib’s trip.

So was the trip a success? For Najib it was a huge success as it put to rest the negative DOJ stories about him and more importantly he renewed his friendship with Trump.

For Malaysia? It was a good trip as we are now again back on the map for the US and they have reaffirmed Malaysia as a comprehensive partner.

– Datuk Wong Sai Wan

('Why Najib's Washington Visit was a Success.' – The Malay Mail, September 16, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

REPORTED BY THE SUN DAILY

KUALA LUMPUR (BERNAMA), SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 –

The success of Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak's visit to Washington, which also witnessed a friendly meeting between the prime minister and the US President Donald Trump, seemed hard to be accepted by the opposition leaders who continue spreading lies about the government, according to political analysts.

Photo: Reuters

They said although the meeting had a positive impact to the nation, opposition leaders were still trying to create a negative public perception on the prime minister's visit.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) geostrategist Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said such a strategy was common among the opposition leaders, especially during prime minister's trip abroad.

"They criticize it as if the government is selling the country off. They had used the same strategy before, especially when the prime minister announced about Chinese investments, they said he had sold the country to China," Azmi told Bernama.

During the meeting with Trump, Najib announced that the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Khazanah Nasional Bhd were planning to expand their investments in the United States and to purchase more Boeing jets to help strengthen the US economy.

Najib said the EPF alone was expected to invest between US$3 billion (RM12.57 billion) and US$4 billion (RM16.76 billion).

However, several opposition leaders, including PKR vice-presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar and Rafizi Ramli, as well as Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, had used the social media to criticize the outcome of the meeting between Najib and Trump.

Azmi said the prime minister's announcement on the investments by the EPF and Khazanah in the US were indeed capable of generating revenue for the country and would benefit the people through high dividends.

"Among the business strategies of EPF and Khazanah is to invest overseas and to be able to do so in the US is indeed a good opportunity not any company could have," he said.

Meanwhile, political analyst Prof Madya Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said the prime minister's visit to the US had also brushed off the negative perception on him, especially regarding the US Department of Justice (DoJ) and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) issues.

"By going to the US, he (Najib) had brushed off the perception that he wouldn't dare to go there," he said, adding that the visit had indeed benefited the prime minister in terms of moral legitimacy.

('Opposition Finds it Hard to Accept Najib's Successful Visit to Washington: Analysts.' – The Sun Daily, September 15, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

The Malaysian government has paid lavishly in the past for Washington ‘swamp dwellers’ to purchase influence and disparage its opponents and critics says Paul Wolfowitz, former US deputy secretary of defence.

REPORTED BY FREE MALAYSIA TODAY

Paul Wolfowitz.
Photo: FMT

KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 –

Malaysia is known to pay money to enable meetings with US presidents, a Washington insider says in reference to the recent meeting between Prime Minister Najib Razak and US President Donald Trump.

Paul Wolfowitz, a friend of jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, and a visiting scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who served seven US administrations, suggested that the meeting was arranged by a former Trump aide.

In an opinion piece carried by Newsweek, Wolfowitz, who once served as US deputy secretary of defence, cites several instances of Malaysia or Malaysians paying for the attention of US presidents in the past.
He said: “In May, a former Trump campaign aide – Healy E Baumgardner-Nardone of the ‘45 Group’ – registered as a foreign agent to represent the Office of the Prime Minister of Malaysia. She reported receiving US$250,000 for her services.
“The Malaysian government has paid lavishly in the past for Washington ‘swamp dwellers’ to purchase influence and disparage its opponents and critics.”
During president Barack Obama’s second term, he says, Malaysians “rewarded a major Democratic Party fundraiser handsomely for representing them, just before Najib secured an Obama state visit to Malaysia (the first by a US president in 60 years), and then received an even more unprecedented invitation from Obama to join him in Hawaii for a game of golf.”
Wolfowitz noted that during George W Bush’s first term as president, “Malaysian business interests” hired Belle Haven Consultants for fees in excess of US$1 million over two years to promote Malaysian interests in the US.
“Some of that money was reportedly used to influence the views of a prominent conservative think tank, through the intermediary of the Alexander Strategy Group, associated with former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay and the notorious Jack Abramoff.”
During Obama’s first term, he says, the Najib government “paid millions to APCO Worldwide of Washington, a portion of which went to the London-based ‘Fact Based Communications, Ltd’ to hire an individual named Josh Trevino, to organise a network of bloggers to write blog posts disparaging opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim – whose coalition was growing in strength heading into the 2013 elections.
“That game blew up when Trevino was fired by The Guardian of London for failing to disclose that he was on the Malaysian payroll while writing a supposedly independent column. That forced Trevino to file a belated foreign agent registration exposing the whole scheme.”
Wolfowitz, who has also served as World Bank president, says the Malaysian government does not “merely disparage its critics”.
“Just last week, in the latest development in the 1MDB case, FBI special agent Robert Heuchling asserted in a filing in court in Los Angeles that ‘identifying witnesses [in the case] could result in intimidation or threaten their safety,’ citing ‘reports of local officials and politicians who have been arrested for purportedly disclosing information linked to 1MDB’.
“He also cited Malaysian press reports from Aug 30 that said ‘the driver of former Malaysian attorney-general Abdul Gani Patail was shot in public as a possible warning against assisting the US government in the case’.”
Wolfowitz clearly does not approve of Trump’s meeting with Najib, quoting what several people or newspapers had said about the meeting, including the remarks of an Australian expert on Southeast Asia.
He notes that the New York Times had quoted Donald Greenlees of the Australian National University as saying, before the meeting: “From a pure public relations point of view, it’s a meeting the White House should avoid. Even a photo op with Kim Jong-Un would be better.”
The suit seeks to recover and forfeit over US$1 billion in assets alleged to have been purchased with funds allegedly misappropriated from 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
Najib has consistently denied any wrong doing.
He says Trump should have given a diplomatic excuse not to meet Najib, as doing so would have sent a strong signal to other lobbyists attempting to “sell access” to the US president.
Wolfowitz adds, having failed to do that, at a minimum Trump should find out who was responsible for inviting Najib to the White House. “And if they did not properly inform him of the scandal surrounding Najib, someone needs to be disciplined.”

('Washington Insider: Malaysia Likely Paid for Access to Trump.' – Free Malaysia Today, September 15, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER - NURUL IZZAH ANWAR

Nurul Izzah Anwar is a member of the Malaysian Parliament and vice president of the People’s Justice Party.

REPORTED BY WASHINGTON POST

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak is seen during a visit to New Delhi, India, on March 31.
Photo: Adnan Abidi/Reuters

On Tuesday, President Trump will host Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in the White House. The two men will discuss cooperation on counterterrorism and economic development. But what should be foremost on the agenda is the hatred and fear fueled by Najib’s own party’s support of extremist groups that routinely harass and frighten the country’s significant Christian, Buddhist and Hindu minorities. Any conversation with a purported partner against extremist violence who fails to address these concerns at home is pointless. As a Malaysian, I am sorry to say that my country faces a desperate situation. For the 60 years since independence, we have been under single-party rule. The corruption scandalsurrounding our sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, the largest of its kind ever investigated by the U.S. Justice Department, alleges that Najib’s government routinely pilfers public funds for its own enrichment and the funding of its political survival. Our political leaders are so accustomed to power that they will do anything to keep it. Our elections are routinely corrupted just enough to maintain the ruling status quo. Print and broadcast media are more than 95 percent owned or controlled by the ruling party, and peaceful political protest is routinely a cause for detentionunder laws meant to fight terrorism.

I know this from first-hand experience. As an opposition member of Parliament, I was arrested under sedition laws and imprisoned with actual terror suspects simply for daring to raise questions in the legislature about the political imprisonment of my father, detained opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Before he was thrown in jail, my father championed a multi-ethnic and multi-religious opposition movement in Malaysia that garnered 52 percent of the votes in the 2013 parliamentary election — a victory set aside because of gerrymandering. His arbitrary detention has been condemned by the United Nations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

All the while, a growing cohort of educated young people facing high unemployment is growing deeply mistrustful of their leaders. These energetic young men and women are frustrated by the absence of democratic institutions. That they may feel compelled to seek recourse for this dissatisfaction outside the political system represents a major threat to Malaysia’s future.

Tensions between different ethnic and religious groups have also reached alarming levels. Najib’s ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) party has not just turned a blind eye to extremism — they have actively encouraged it. Religious extremists are permitted to promulgate their views with impunity, and the government has actually incorporated those views and personalities into its own platform. As if this weren’t astonishing enough, in 2014, Najib himself encouraged his own party followers to emulate “brave” Islamic State fighters.

If Najib’s autocracy and extremist actions are not condemned and resisted, all of us are at risk.

Yet despite our challenges, I love my country and I know that we have incredible potential. In fact, that is what makes this issue so important. Unlike many autocratic Muslim-majority countries, Malaysia can be a true functioning pluralistic democracy with real economic strength and growth potential. Our coalition of opposition parties follows the leadership of our imprisoned leader, Anwar Ibrahim, in asserting that the only acceptable way forward for Malaysia is as a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, democratic and freedom-supporting state.

But to achieve this, the Malaysian people need the help of true friends and partners around the world. Najib must hear from every nation that his actions are a threat to international security and undermine genuine efforts at countering violent extremism.

President Trump has the opportunity to deliver this message. As a former golfing buddy of the prime minister, he has an established rapport with Najib. And Trump set a precedent in his recent recalibration of aid to Egypt, where he laudably recently recognized the opportunity to stress civil society reforms by cutting some U.S. aid to Egypt. The same frankness should be applied when assessing Najib as a potential recipient of anti-terror funding from the United States.

To advance his foreign policy goals and the mission of international security cooperation, Trump must hold Najib to account. Trump must make clear that Washington will no longer be silent when U.S.-Malaysia cooperation on countering violent extremism is undermined by the Malaysian government itself. To start, Najib should immediately cease persecution of journalists and opposition leaders, and release all political prisoners, including my father. Trump must also make clear that the United States does not tolerate partners who harbor and protect terrorists, much less partners who actively encourage such behavior.

Without reforms, the Malaysian government is not a reliable partner on counterterrorism, international security or economic development. A clear message, followed by strong action, is the only way to transform Malaysia from a liability to a credible ally.

[The NINE QUESTIONS Panel would like to point out that Nurul Izzah Anwar had failed to mention her connection to the terrorist-linked Jacel Kiram family, and her father's connection to the Muslim Brotherhood terror organisation.]

('Here's What President Trump Should Tell the Malaysian Prime Minister - Nurul Izzah Anwar.' – Washington Post, September 11, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE PR SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

REPORTED BY MALAYSIAKINI

Photo: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur

YOURSAY | "Fact is, the White House show was orchestrated with the rural folks in mind."

Najib-Trump meet masterstroke or master joke?

FairMind: US President Donald Trump meeting was meant to place Prime Minister Najib Razak in the elevated and unbeatable position of a world-respected Malaysian leader? Clearly it did the opposite.

Never have the American press and the world been so united and focused in their attention and criticism of Trump and our PM. You can imagine the seriousness and impact of the news media calling our PM a crook?

Never has a Malaysian PM received so much negative publicity and attention, both abroad and locally. If I were to be the current PM, I would rather resign than to continue the charade of smiling and pretending as if nothing has happened, while fully knowing people are criticising me and spitting behind my back.

The good that comes out of this trip is that the PM now knows how poorly the world and Malaysians think of him.

Dont Just Talk: The best part of the Trump-Najib meeting was that there was no press conference for journalists to ask questions, perhaps for fear that it might lead to queries about the 1MDB financial scams.

And Najib proudly announced that Malaysia would help improve US infrastructure with an investment of between US$3 billion and US$4 billion via the Employee Provident Fund (EPF).

What a joke, when Malaysia's national debt is at a historic high, and yet we want to help the greatest economy of the world. And mind you, when our ringgit value has depreciated to RM4.20 to US$1.

What is Najib trying to prove to Trump, or is he expecting something in return as is the familiar practice in Malaysia, which is, you scratch my back and I scratch your back?

Fair Play: Indeed, the five minutes and 50 seconds recorded exchange in the White House is an embarrassment of gigantic proportions to all Malaysians who have a brain and know how to use it.

Jaguh: What a waste of our money. All these to give Umno an ego boost to try and win the upcoming general election. This man has no shame.

Anonymous 2439101477311390: I fully agree with Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang. Rich nations must help developing nations. Not the other way around.

Anticonmen: Trump will take money from oligarchs, mobsters, launderers, dictators, kleptocrats and drug lords. He is a businessman, and not a leader.

HaveAGreatDay: Lim, say what you like, the fact is that the White House show was orchestrated with the rural folks in mind. Najib also met UK Prime Minister Theresa May as well.

Xiao Zhu: This is an expensive public relation show to boost one person's image at the taxpayers' expense.

Zaid has no right to get details of 1MDB-linked accounts, says PM

Caripasal: This is not whether former law minister Zaid Ibrahim has the right to ask for disclosure of the AmBank accounts implicated in the 1MDB scandal, but rather for Najib to prove his innocence.

Najib has in the past repeatedly claimed that the money in his account was a donation from the Saudis, and that he did not use that money for personal gain.

If this is truly the case, he should prove it in court – by revealing his bank statements.

Jaguh: If Najib is innocent, one should not be afraid to disclose the details.

In any investigation by the police or judiciary, the bank accounts of a person are always checked for fraudulent payments and activities, especially when money laundering is involved.

Drifter: 1MDB is dealing with public money. As the public, we should be able to get all the information we need because it is our money.

Dont Just Talk: It is not only Zaid's interest but every taxpaying Malaysian's interest to file for a court order to compel Najib to reveal the five personal accounts kept with AmBank, when it is now known that US$681 million had been wired into his accounts.

Since the amount involved is beyond Najib's proven income, the mere reason given that it was a donation does not hold water, unless the money trail from the rich Arab is proven.

Had the amount of US$681 million appeared in any of the opposition leader's personal accounts, the MACC and PDRM, along with Bank Negara, would act fast and furious.

Let Najib have his day in court and prove to all Malaysians that the US$681 million wired into his personal accounts is indeed as clean he claims.

JusticeNow!: "However, AmBank replied that it only had records of four of the five accounts." Wonderful. This proves that those accounts did exist and it did belong to Najib. No fake news here.

Hplooi: While we, as a country, may keep denying that theft had been committed with regards to 1MDB, the assets currently under recovery by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) (and this is very real) will forever be lost to Malaysians if we (as a nation) keep on with such denial.

The tragedy will be that we stand to lose twice; first when someone and his allegedly criminal associates stole the money, and then when the assets from the stolen money are recovered by the DOJ ultimately stay in the US, simply because we keep on denying it.

Let's not forget that interest is accruing at millions per day on the billions we borrowed to cover the loss.

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('Najib-Trump Meet an Expensive Show at Our Expense.' – Malaysiakini, September 18, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

REPORTED BY CHANNEL NEWSASIA

Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak delivers his keynote address at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC.
Photo: Channel NewsAsia

WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 –

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak on Wednesday (September 13) hailed the longstanding United States-Malaysia partnership following his visit to the White House and talks with President Donald Trump on Tuesday (September 12).

"I want you to be fully aware why it is right that we build on the Comprehensive Partnership we forged in 2014," he said.

"We share your values on working towards a world that is secure; where nuclear threats are contained; where we come together to fight violent extremism; and where we face the future confident that trading with each other will enrich both our nations."

In his speech at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, Najib spoke of the increasingly close defence and security ties between Malaysia and the United States, and expressed his confidence that these would reach new heights over the coming years.

Addressing an audience of scholars, academics, policy-makers and government officials, he called for further cooperation on counter-terrorism measures, action to alleviate the plight of the Rohingya in Myanmar, and resolving the dangerous tensions in the Korean peninsula, while also emphasising the commitment to democracy and free speech that the two countries share.

THREAT OF TERRORISM

Najib highlighted that the threat of terrorism was one that both the US and Malaysia faced.

He said: “Travelling to Washington DC on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks offered me a sobering reminder of that.

"There has, so far, been only one successful (Islamic State)-linked attack in Malaysia, but that has not been for want of trying. It is only thanks to the efforts of our law enforcement agencies that at least 13 major terrorist attacks have been thwarted since 2012.

“These people, both those who encourage others to go down the path of violence - and those that do so themselves, are our enemies just as much as they are your enemies. Indeed, by claiming their terrorism is Islamic in nature, these individuals blaspheme against our religion - something for which we simply cannot forgive them.

"I want to reiterate here, in your capital, that Malaysia is the United States’ firm ally in this battle. In this battle we fight as a proud partner in the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, and through the strategic dialogue between our Ministry of Defence and the Pentagon.

"Malaysia will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with America on this vital mission to eliminate a terror group whose acts sicken all of civilised humanity."

NORTH KOREA TENSIONS

On current tensions within Korean peninsula, Najib said: “President Trump and I discussed this at length yesterday, and Malaysia offers its full support and assistance in resolving the current very dangerous tension over North Korea.

"Malaysia has been consistent in pressing North Korea to fully comply with all its obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and to return to the negotiating table, with a view to achieving the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula."

ROHINGYA CRISIS

On the plight of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar, Najib said: “Many have said that the atrocities committed against them could be rightly described as constituting ethnic cleansing or genocide.

"I promised the Malaysian people that I would raise this with President Trump - and I did. I am glad to say that the president shares my concern, and that is why this heart-rending humanitarian crisis was included in our joint statement.

"While I cannot speak for exactly what the US Government plans to do, I can tell you that there is now a distinct possibility that they will also provide humanitarian assistance to these desperate victims of atrocities that the world simply cannot ignore.”

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Concerning criticisms that have been directed at Malaysia by the country’s political opposition, and supplied to the American press, Najib said: “Malaysia has been a democracy ever since independence.
"We have the longest and most consistent record as a democracy in Southeast Asia. Elections are fiercely contested - which is shown by the fact that opposition parties have won state elections. They won five out of Malaysia’s 13 states in 2008, for instance."

He added: "Cabinet ministers and prominent politicians have lost their seats in elections. I myself only just retained my parliamentary constituency in 1999.

"There were particular reasons why the government was not popular at that time; but my point is that ours is a genuine democracy and no one is guaranteed election, no matter how high their position. It is the people who have the final say - which is how it should be in a democracy.”

He also reminded the audience that while there had been severe crackdowns on free speech and the independence of the judiciary during the rule of a former leader, his government takes a different approach.

“Ministers and state chief ministers from both sides of the political divide have been taken to court, which shows the impartiality of our judiciary," he said. "Malaysia’s democracy survived, and under my Government, it has been strengthened.

"We increased media freedom by scrapping restrictions on newspaper publishing licences. We reformed the Universities and University Colleges Act to allow undergraduates to participate in political activities.

"Large demonstrations, that would never have been allowed under the former leader, have taken place in Kuala Lumpur over the last few years.

"Why? Because we passed the Peaceful Assembly Act, for the first time enshrining in law the right to peaceful protest - which we recognise as being part of a democratic society.”

Questioning the opposition’s claim that free speech in Malaysia was under threat, Najib said: “Why, then, is it that you will find praise for opposition politicians in our national newspapers, and vigorous debate - including plenty of criticism of the government - on Malaysia’s web portals?”

('Najib Hails Shared US-Malaysia Values, Stresses Need for Global Action on Rohingya.' – Channel NewsAsia, September 14, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

REPORTED BY THE MALAY MAIL

Malaysian Ambassador to the United States, Tan Sri Zulhasnan Rafique.
Photo: The Malay Mail

WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 10, 2017 –

In international politics for the past 60 years, the US has always shown what they think about another country by either withholding or bestowing its diplomatic favours.

Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the second South-east Asian leader (Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was the first) to be invited by President Donald Trump to come and visit him at the White House.

The two leaders are to have a one-to-one meeting at the Oval Office — the president’s private sanctum — before they join the expanded delegation meeting between their two teams.

Najib’s team will consist of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Ali Hamsa as well as National Security Council director-general General (rtd) Tan Sri Zulkefli Mohd Zin.

His American host’s team will consist of Cabinet members and senior members of his administration including Vice President Mike Pence, State Secretary Rex Tillerson, Defence Secretary James Mattis, Chief of Staff Gen John Kelly, National Security Advisor Lt General HR McMaster, and Senior Advisor Jared Kushner.

These are Trump’s top people and their presence augurs well for Malaysia as the US President and his administration are extending its full diplomatic favours.

After all, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong is only scheduled to visit Trump only in October. The island republic is after all a much closer US ally in the Asean region.

In fact, Malaysian Ambassador to the US, Tan Sri Zulhasnan Rafique, has been to the Oval Room three times since Trump took office in January. Some foreign ambassadors in Washington only get to do it once in their usual three-year term.

But this meeting between Trump and Najib is more than just for show as many critics have claimed back home that this visit was to demonstrate that Malaysia is still favoured by the US.

Zulhasnan said the meeting is substantive as there are a lot of bilateral issues for the two sides to discuss.

“We wish to take the opportunity to discuss cooperation in the field of economy, security, defence, education, counter-terrorism, immigration, science and technology and people-to-people relations,” said Zulhasnan to Malaysian media covering Najib’s visit here.

There are quite a number issues are on the table but it will not be lost to Najib’s team that getting concession is going to be a lot more difficult than diplomatic favours. A lot needs to be done to impress their American to see everything from the Malaysian perspective.

Zulhasnan admits that top of the agenda for the Americans would be the imbalanced trade figures which favours Malaysia which has been listed among the “trade cheats” country by Trump in his America for Americans policy.

“Total trade between Malaysia and the US has increased by 20.3 per cent in the period from January to July this year, totalling RM93.77 billion or US$21.44 billion. During that period, our exports to the US grew by 11.1 per cent, while imports from the US to Malaysia went up by 33.1 per cent.

“Meanwhile, cumulatively, US’ investment in Malaysia based on approved projects was valued at US$28.57 billion by December 2016. As of August this year, Malaysia’s cumulative investment in the US was valued at US$14.56 billion,” said Zulhasnan, adding that the trade surplus was definitely was in Malaysia’s favour.

“It’s been like this for more than 20 years but we have to look at this positively,” he explained.

On the part of Malaysia, top of the agenda will be regional security, counter-terrorism and moderation but with the recent events in Myanmar, the Rohingya issue will definitely be raised.

Najib has said yesterday that he would bring it up during his four-eyed meeting with Trump.

Many American companies are making a bee line to invest in Myanmar and putting pressure on them may be more effective than political and diplomatic pressure.

Asked if Malaysia’s close ties with China would be a thorn in the discussion between Trump and Najib, Zulhasnan said this year marked the 60th Anniversary of ties between Washington and Kuala Lumpur.

“The relationship is deep and the increasing investments by China will not affect it.

“We expect it to take bilateral relations and cooperation to new heights,” said the Malaysian ambassador.

Najib arrives in Washington tomorrow and is scheduled to deliver two speeches — one at a dinner organised by the US-Asean Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday and at a luncheon conference organised by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

('As PM Najib Visits Washington, More than Just a Visit.' – The Malay Mail, September 10, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

9. RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

REPORTED BY MALAYSIAN DIGEST

Photo: US Embassy Kuala Lumpur

While analysts generally agree on the successful outcome of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's trip to the White House, his detractors continue to spread rumours and criticism about it online.

Yesterday, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak wrote in his blogpost that whether or not Najib goes to the US, opposition leaders will still make an issue of it.

"If Najib does not meet foreign leaders such as the President of the United States, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says it is because Najib is scared of travelling to other countries in case he gets arrested.

"Then, when Najib does travel to the US to meet President Donald Trump, they say the Prime Minister paid lobbyists to arrange the meeting," he points out the irony of it all in sskeruak.blogspot.my yesterday.

Does the VIP treatment given to Najib mean that US President Donald Trump supports him or as the Opposition would have readers believe that Najib is risking our nation's economic well-being by investing taxpayers money in US just to win Trump's approval.

So, what actually transpired during the visit?

According to a journalist who accompanied Najib on the trip, a lot of what has been spun by Opposition leaders is so far from the truth that he felt compelled to come forward to debunk it.

Datuk Wong Sai Wan, Malay Mail Editor-In-Chief who was part of the press delegation wrote an insightful commentary of the trip based on his own experience.

"Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his team met with President Donald Trump and his senior Cabinet members for over 50 minutes of which the Prime Minister met President Trump one-to-one for 20 minutes," he debunked critics' assertions that the entire trip lasted all of five minutes based on the video clip released by the White House.

Photo: Twitter

He also addressed criticism over using money from EPF to bolster US trade ties.

"Our Employees Provident Fund have been investing in the US equity market since 2008 when the law was amended to allow EPF to invest overseas.

"In fact, the EPF has invested some US$26 billion since 2008 and has made good returns...On top of the return on the investment, we can safely say that the EPF must have also made a killing from the depreciated ringgit," he points out.

Finally, he put to rest once an for all that the entire trip was a personal one that was made to polish Najib's public image.

Photo: The Australian

"Najib’s visit to the White House was a working visit at the invitation of Trump.

"Trump broke all protocol when it came to Najib and reminded all his officers twice “he is my friend”," he confirmed media reports that Trump went out of his way to make Najib feel welcome.

He also reminded detractors about Najib's choice to stay at the Trump International Hotel was for practicality and did not imply any hidden motive.

"Trump had promised when he became president that any profit made from visiting leaders who stayed at the hotel would be donated to charity. He didn’t make a cent from Najib’s trip," he highlighted.

"So was the trip a success?" he summed up.

"For Malaysia? It was a good trip as we are now again back on the map for the US and they have reaffirmed Malaysia as a comprehensive partner."

Ultimately it is not because the US president had a personal liking for Najib, but rather because of Malaysia's strategic location in the region as well as its political role, another commentary on SinChew Daily points out.

"As Washington and Beijing vie for dominance in Asia Pacific, other regional countries must be lured to join their ranks or at least be prevented from leaning towards the rival.

"Malaysia's foreign policy has always been shaped on pragmatism, as it finds itself a space that best suits its interests in the international community, and fights for biggest benefits in the interplay between major powers of the world."

('What Actually Happened on Najib's Trip to Washington.' – Malaysian Digest, September 18, 2017)

– - –

1. WHY NAJIB'S WASHINGTON VISIT WAS A SUCCESS

2. RELATED: OPPOSITION FINDS IT HARD TO ACCEPT NAJIB'S SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO WASHINGTON: ANALYSTS

3. RELATED: WASHINGTON INSIDER: MALAYSIA LIKELY PAID FOR ACCESS TO TRUMP

4. RELATED: HERE'S WHAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD TELL THE MALAYSIAN PRIME MINISTER

5. RELATED: NAJIB-TRUMP MEET AN EXPENSIVE SHOW AT OUR EXPENSE

6. RELATED: NAJIB HAILS SHARED US-MALAYSIA VALUES, STRESSES NEED FOR GLOBAL ACTION ON ROHINGYA

7. RELATED: AS PM NAJIB VISITS WASHINGTON, MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

8. RELATED: WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED ON NAJIB'S TRIP TO WASHINGTON

10. RELATED: NAJIB MEETS THERESA MAY IN LONDON

11. RELATED: NAJIB AND THERESA MAY REAFFIRM STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

– - –

RELATED: NAJIB-THERESA MEETING REAFFIRMS STRONG MALAYSIA-UK TIES

REPORTED BY NEW STRAITS TIMES

LONDON, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017 –

The meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and British Prime Minister Theresa May today (Friday), reaffirmed the strong ties both countries have enjoyed since Malaysia's independence 60 years ago.

Najib, who arrived from Washington, the United States, after a successful meeting with President Donald Trump last Tuesday, regarded the meetings with these world leaders as most significant as it demonstrated their acknowledgement of Malaysia as a global player.

“Our views are being given serious consideration by them including President Donald Trump,” he said after a 40 minute meeting, which he regarded as very fruitful and productive.

“Britain and Malaysia are old partners. My discussions with Prime Minister May confirmed the depth of our friendship, and we look forward to our two countries working together to forge a prosperous and secure future for our peoples,” he said.

“We reaffirmed the strong ties between Malaysia and the United Kingdom, which pre-dated and have continued since our independence 60 years ago."Yes, she (May) mentioned that it is significant; 60 years of independence, 60 years of bilateral relations with the UK and it gives us a good opportunity to look ahead and to strengthen, revive, resuscitate our longstanding relationship," he said.

Najib said that in addition to the shared values and history, the UK is seeking a new relationship with friends and partners around the world as it leaves the European Union.

“Malaysia is well positioned to add value being strategically located at the heart of Southeast Asia, with strong links to the Muslim world and China,” he added.

The meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and British Prime Minister Theresa May on Friday, reaffirmed the strong ties both countries have enjoyed since Malaysia's independence 60 years ago.
Photo: NSTP

The Prime Minister had conveyed to May, that Malaysia will be ready to do business with the UK post-Brexit.

“They will need new partners, new trade deals ....so Malaysia stands ready; Malaysia is well poised and can add value proposition to whatever plans UK might have post Brexit," he told reporters outside 10 Downing Street after the meeting.

He added that as an outward-looking trading nation, which the World Bank recently said is facing the future “from a position of strength”, Malaysia welcomes the opportunity to have a closer economic partnership with the UK.

“I assured Prime Minister May that Malaysia will be happy to discuss setting up a trade arrangement between our two countries as soon as possible. We know that trade between our countries will benefit our economies and our peoples.”

The issue of terrorism was also high on the agenda during their discussions.

“The UK and Malaysia stand united on the need to fight terrorism and violent extremism. We mourn the deaths of those who have died in the recent appalling attacks in the UK. Malaysia is ready to share its expertise and experience in combating the threat from those who blaspheme the name of Islam by falsely claiming that their atrocities are Islamic,” he said, adding that cooperation will be strengthened in areas of counter terrorism, in the fight against IS.

“They are our common enemy , we will work closely together with the UK and other countries to eliminate this scourge and this threat,” he said.

On the plight of the Rohingya, he said, “Prime Minister May and I agreed that the international community must come together to find a solution to bring to an end a crisis that has shocked both the region and the world.”

The prime minister who arrived in London with his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, was accompanied to the meeting by among others, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman, and Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK & Northern Ireland, Datuk Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi.

('Najib-Theresa Meeting Reaffirm Strong Malaysia-UK Ties.' – New Straits Times, September 15, 2017)