Opposition is jealous, worried about Najib's China visit - Salleh

The Opposition is jealous and worried about Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's just-concluded visit to China which has turned out to be a roaring success, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Salleh Said Keruak.

While some had accused Najib of 'selling' Malaysia to China, he said the Opposition did not dare to openly and aggressively criticise the premier for fear of a backlash from the Chinese community.

Salleh noted that some had said Najib's China visit was a brilliant move, reminiscent of what his father, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein did in 1974.

In his blog posting at sskeruak.blogspot.my, he said: "The Opposition is worried that the China visit may sway some Opposition voters and fence-sitters.

"So they are planning for (former prime minister) Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to make a 'guest appearance' in parliament to distract Malaysians and divert attention away from the China visit."

On the positive outcome of the six-day official visit which concluded yesterday, Salleh said: "China's investments in Malaysia will create jobs and opportunities for all Malaysians and will offer the country a brighter future."

Meanwhile, he said ministers needed to be reminded that when they took office and joined the Cabinet, they swore an oath of secrecy and confidentiality before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He said there was no expiry date to this oath, and the Official Secrets Act (OSA) would apply even when they left office.

"So the 'trio' who recently left office should be very careful about revealing what by law they should not reveal if they wish to avoid facing legal proceedings and not hide behind parliamentary immunity," he said.

Former deputy prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, former rural and regional development minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and former second finance minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah allegedly divulged government secrets while debating the 2017 Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat recently. -- Bernama