KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has reiterated that he had neither met nor known Altantuya Shaariibuu.
“The statutory declaration, which I consider a horrible lie, a mere fabrication with malicious intention and slanderous element is aimed at smearing my image,” he told a packed press conference held at about 7pm at his office in Parliament Building here yesterday.
Najib said the statutory declaration by private investigator P. Balasubramaniam was a “red herring” by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to divert public attention from the sodomy allegation against the PKR adviser.
Press brief: Najib speaking to reporters during a press conference at his office in Parliament Building last night.“I am very sure that this is a very desperate attempt to divert attention from the sodomy allegation that Anwar is facing now.
“What is important now is not the matter raised as a diversion, (or as a) red herring. … What people want to know is whether the sodomy case happened or not. I hope the relevant authorities will investigate and make an announcement as soon as possible,” he said.
On the statutory declaration, Najib said as it contradicted the testimonies in court and also the police report, he would leave it to the authorities to investigate fully, but stressed that he also had rights as a citizen to defend himself.
“I can take personal action, but what is more important is that action can be taken because there are provisions of the law like defamation and so forth,” he added.
Najib also denied that he had had a sexual relationship with Altantuya, nor did he conspire to cover up her murder as alleged by Balasubramaniam.
“No, absolutely not, because I have never ever met her,” he said
Asked whether he was willing to be investigated, he said: “Why should I be investigated? Give me a good reason. The police have investigated the entire Altantuya case, so they know everything.
“The parties responsible (for the statutory declaration) should be prepared to accept any consequences if the authorities uncover any legal wrongdoing.”
Najib questioned why the matter had to come up now after Anwar was recently accused of sodomy.
“Now, suddenly everyone is under attack, the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General, even I am attacked.
“Why now? This is the question,” he added.
“If he (Anwar) was so concerned about the case he should have brought it up much, much earlier. Why now?” he added.
Asked whether the latest accusations would affect him during the coming Umno elections, Najib said it would not.
“I’m very relaxed about it. As you can see I’m still smiling. I’m not worried at all because the truth will prevail,” he added.
Najib said he believed in the (justice) system and stressed that he had not done anything wrong.
“There’s nothing to be worried about. Life goes on as usual. As far as I’m concerned, it’s business as usual,” he added.
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