KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today that he was not opposed to criticism as long as rebukes were made with positive intentions.

Speaking to Umno delegates from the Pasir Gudang division in Johor today, the party president also acknowledged the need to better explain issues surrounding his administration to the public.

“We need to manage the perceptions against the reality faced by the country, which were negatively influencing people’s mind,” Najib was quoted as saying by The Star on its website today.

“I am not a leader who does not accept criticisms as long as it is constructive.”

Najib also said that the negative view of his administration was due to attacks by opposition parties, whom he said only raised issues to create doubt in the public’s minds.

During his speech, he explained that the RM2.6 billion donation to Umno he received via his personal accounts was a normal practice with the party.

He also reiterated that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has clarified that the amount was a donation and not funds from 1Malaysia Development Berhad.

“It has been the norm for us to accept political donations to be used for the party all these years,” he was further quoted as saying.