Datuk Seri Najib Razak officiating Umno division delegates meeting in Seremban, August 1, 2015. — Picture by Kamles Kumar

PAROI, Aug 1 — In a fiery speech today to Seremban Umno delegates, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak told foreigners to stay out of Malaysia’s administrative affairs, saying they “white people” should not play any role in determining the country’s future.

As an example, the Umno president singled out Sarawak Report, the London-based whistleblower site founded and operated by journalist Clare Rewcastle-Brown.

The site has been running a series of exposés on the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) controversy, and has even linked Najib to the scandal.

“Under 22 years of Tun Dr Mahathir (Mohamad’s) rule, there were problems too… But it was not like this now when everything is put out on Sarawak Report, as though outsiders are trying to determine who leads our country,” he said in his speech at the opening of the divisional meeting.

“I cannot stand for this, ladies and gentlemen. I cannot allow white people, the foreigners determine our future. What is their right?” Najib charged to the crowd of over 400 Umno delegates.

The Pekan MP insisted, however, that he was open to criticism, especially within his party, but said it must be done through the right channels.

“If you want to criticise me, criticise me properly. I will accept it anytime. If the party wants to advise me, I will accept it openly,” Najib said.

Other than Sarawak Report, several other international media organisations have written extensively on 1MDB and Najib’s alleged involvement in the state owned fund.

An article by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) recently claimed that US$700 million (RM2.6 billion) of 1MDB funds were transferred into Najib’s private account.

Najib has not directly denied the claim, but has repeatedly said that he has never taken 1MDB money for personal gain.

A special government taskforce is currently investigating the allegations in WSJ.