1MDB lawsuit dismissal: Salleh Said Keruak hits out at western media for not reporting

Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak has hit out at the Wall Street Journal and other Western media for not reporting the dismissal of the lawsuit filed in the United States against 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

Salleh said the dismissal of the lawsuit yesterday "strangely" received a media blackout compared to the media hype and controvery generated when it was filed on Aug 11, 2016.

"This lawsuit by Tun (Dr) Mahathir's henchmen generated global news and controversy when it was filed on 11 August (2016). But, strangely, the Wall Street Journal and other Western media haven't reported that yesterday the lawsuit was dismissed," he said in a statement today.

The class action lawsuit was filed by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's former political secretary Matthias Chang and former PAS vice-president Datuk Husam Musa against 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), Goldman Sachs, film producer Riza Aziz as well as his company Red Granite Pictures on Aug 11, 2016.

It is understood that the lawsuit was dismissed on Friday afternoon, but no reason was given over the dismissal.

Salleh said the dismissal of the suit which, according to him, was baseless from the start, also proved that it was a pure publicity stunt to manipulate public perceptions.

He said this was also part of Tun Dr Mahathir's plan to sabotage 1MDB and damage Malaysia's economy to unseat the democratically-elected government.

"And all this for selfish political reasons, just to benefit his son Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir.

"It must be frustrating for Tun (Dr) Mahathir that each of his attempts to subvert Malaysia's democracy has failed. They will continue to fail. One of the hallmarks of a true leader is knowing when to quit quietly," said Salleh.

Salleh also said that despite the many attempts by Dr Mahathir to discredit the Barisan Nasional-led government, it still received recognition from international bodies, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESC O).

NESCO director-general Irina Bokova, in a recent statement, commended the Malaysian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak for taking a firm stance against violent extremism through inclusion and education, which UNESCO considers the most effective long-term prevention to forces threatening to divide societies.

She also praised Malaysia as an example to countries of all income levels, that the country was proof that respect for diversity was a source of enrichment, and that it had taken the lead in encouraging the teaching of religion to promote tolerance, respect and mutual understanding.

Salleh said: "The government won't be distracted by Tun (Dr) Mahathir's increasingly desperate attempts. The Prime Minister will continue to serve the people and prioritise their security, safety and prosperity."