.JPG "Datuk Seri Najib Razak speaks to youths gathered at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysiau00e2u20acu2122s mosque February 22, 2019. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri")
BANGI, Feb 22 ― Datuk Seri Najib Razak claimed the government forced Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia to postpone this evening’s dialogue with the university’s pro-Barisan Nasional students.
Before a handful of young supporters at the university’s mosque here, the former BN chairman criticised Pakatan Harapan leaders, accusing them of hypocrisy and oppression for stifling students.
“The new education minister said this is a new era, there will be more democracy, more freedom, more openness, and that opposition leaders are welcomed into universities,” he said, smiling.
“What is happening now?”
Organisers of the Sembang Santai Bossku dialogue said they had to move the event to a nearby cafe after Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia authorities held off the programme.
The move was heavily criticised.
One of the organisers, UKM Student Representative Council Deputy President Muhammad Izzat Ebrahim, called the decision disappointing in a statement to announce the change of venue.
Despite the cancellation, Najib appeared at the university’s mosque for Friday prayers where he was greeted eagerly by students.
Some rushed to shake his hands and take photos, while curious onlookers gathered around him.
The former prime minister, who is facing over 40 criminal and corruption charges over the 1MDB scandal, claimed the reception proved he had support among students.
“You can make your own conclusion,” Najib said as he addressed a crowd of about 70 students.
“I don’t force anyone to listen to me. I just lay the facts and you can make your own decisions because you are the type of students that the country needs.
“Students who can think for themselves and not herded.”
He then slammed Education Minister Maszlee Malik, calling him a hypocrite.
Najib noted Maszlee once said universities will now be opened to politics, with no restriction on Opposition politicians to campaign.
UKM vice-chancellor Prof Mohd Hamdi Abd Shukor was reported saying the event was postponed as organisers did not notify the university earlier.
He stressed that it was delayed rather than cancelled.
