Malaysian
Prime Minister Najib Razak has sacked his deputy in a cabinet reshuffle
after Muhyiddin Yassin had called on the leader to explain a growing
corruption scandal at debt-laden state investment fund 1MDB.
Muhyiddin
had said at the weekend the ruling coalition could lose the next
election if Najib and others did not better manage issues stemming from
the scandal at 1Malaysia Development Berhad, which has debts of more
than $11bn.
Muhyiddin
has been replaced by Home Minister Zahid Hamidi, a right-wing
politician well-liked by members of the United Malays National
Organisation party, which has led Malaysian coalition governments since
independence in 1957.
“The
decision to replace Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was very difficult, but
leadership is about doing what you think is right,” Najib said in a
speech on Tuesday.
“Nevertheless,
I thank Tan Sri Muhyiddin for all his work and dedication to the
government and country, as I do all those ministers who are no longer in
the cabinet.”
Bernama
news agency reported on Tuesday that Najib also sacked Attorney General
Abdul Gani Patail, who was involved in investigations into corruption
allegations related to the Najib-linked company.
The prime minister, who launched 1MDB in 2009, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Najib
told his deputy and other officials on Monday to stop commenting on the
scandal at the investment fund, saying arguments among leaders would
erode support for the government.
Source: Punch
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