Najib assumes people are stupid, says Dr M

(The Sun Daily) – Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has rubbished embattled former premier Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s claims that he was in the dark over the alleged embezzlement of funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The Malay Mail today reported Mahathir as saying it was impossible for Najib to be unaware of the transactions when his signature was all over the related documents.

“Who wants to believe him that he didn’t know when he signed [his name]? Every bit of money that goes in and out of the first borrowing of RM42 billion, all his signature,” the Mail quoted Mahathir as saying in an exclusive interview.

“If he doesn’t know, it must be that he doesn’t understand what a signature means.”

In an interview with Reuters, Najib said he shouldn’t be blamed for the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal and declares he knows nothing about money from the state fund appearing in his personal account.

The Mail reported Mahathir as saying it is ludicrous for someone to direct RM2 billion to be transferred into his account, but at the same time refuse to be informed of the transaction.

He was referring to the around US$700 million (RM2.8 billion) that was allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB into Najib’s account, as detailed by the US Department of Justice’s anti-kleptocracy probe, the report said.

“This cannot be. Because I have to sign to use the money. To use the money, I have to issue cheques. Najib always assumes that people are stupid,” Dr Mahathir added.