Cabinet can't deal with 1MDB problem, says Dr M

KUALA LUMPUR: The ultimatum given to Cabinet ministers by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak shows that the entire Cabinet cannot deal with the problems surrounding the state investment arm 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
Pointing out that although it is Najib’s right as the PM to give the ultimatum, former premier Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said the ministers each have their own views and that they are “unable to speak”.
“What is obvious is that the whole cabinet seems unable to deal with this 1MDB problem. Some do not understand what’s going on, others think it is none of their business; others think it is safer not to say anything,” he told a press conference after launching the Indian Advisory Council Malaysia here today.
Asked whether the ultimatum is a move to silence the cabinet, Mahathir said that during his time as the PM, he dropped and replaced ministers who did not agree with his policies but later brought them back in when they agreed with him.
“But I did not punish them (cabinet ministers), I accepted them back,” he said.
“I don’t know what they are thinking; I have no access to their minds,” Mahathir said about the cabinet ministers.
Najib had reportedly given an ultimatum to his ministers last Friday to either stand with him on the 1MDB road map or resign if they do not support him.
No cabinet minister has commented on this except Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, who said he would stand with Najib on condition that the 1MDB issues are resolved with accountability and transparency.
Meanwhile, Mahathir added that he has not been invited to the "Nothing to Hide" forum scheduled for June 5 (Friday), where Najib is expected to answer queries on 1MDB.