Standard practice for world leaders to use jets, says Najib

It is a standard practice across the world for most leaders to use official jets to boost efficiency in carrying out their roles and duties and not for personal luxury, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on a recent purchase of an Airbus ACJ320.

The purchase, said Opposition reflects Najib's poor move and judgement.

Najib, however explained that the purchase of a private jet by the government was to to replace a 16-year old aircraft that was becoming a safety hazard.

“We must not be taken in by the Opposition ropaganda that the government was wasting money on a new jet. What they failed to explain was that the jet was purchased to replace a 16-year old aircraft that was becoming a safety hazard.

“Moreover, it is also the official aircraft used by the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, providing all the more reason for us not to compromise on safety and security,” he said the FAQ question of his blog.

Najib said the aircraft’s interior is configured such that meetings and discussions can be held on board and that the work of state can continue even during the flight.

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“Therefore the question does not arise as to whether or not a country should have an official jet. The cost of maintaining an old aircraft is high. Hence, the older aircraft is being disposed of and the money the government makes from its sale will clearly reduce the cost paid for the new aircraft,” he said.

Prior to this, PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli enclosed an agreement dated Dec 1, 2014 between the PM's department and Jet Premier One (Malaysia), which also manages Najib's private jet ACJ319, on the new acquisition.

In November 2013, the Prime Minister's Department, in a reply in the Dewan Rakyat, said that Putrajaya already has, at least six private jets, including a Boeing Business Jet.