Rafidah: What deal was struck for RM2.6b?

The Umno veteran sees the donation as an extension of the problem of money politics.

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Najib Razak has exposed his administration to foreign influence by accepting the controversial RM2.6 billion donation from Arab benefactors, according to Umno veteran Rafidah Aziz.

Noting Najib’s statement that the donation was for Umno, she said, “”Umno is the backbone of the BN government. Influencing Umno would mean influencing the government.”

“My question is whether any kind of pact has been struck. What could have been promised to the donors? What sort of accommodation could they be expecting?”

Her statement was issued yesterday and reported by Sinar Harian today.

Rafidah, who served as Minister of International Trade and Industry from 1987 to 2008, said she saw the donation as an extension of the long standing problem of money politics in Umno.

“All Umno members should feel burdened by the “RM2.6 billion problem,” she said. “It basically shows that money politics in Umno has reached a great new height.

“Umno leaders at all levels must accept some responsibility for the consequences of the party president’s acceptance of the donation.

“Surely some of the money would have gone down to the grassroots and many must have got a taste of it.

“Should we not reject money politics so that whomever is chosen as leader would be genuinely capable of serving?”