People talk about Rosmah’s splurges, says Dr M

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today said that people are discussing Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and her allegedly lavish lifestyle, regardless whether it was true or not, and this is problematic, Malaysiakini reported.

The former prime minister denied that he was attacking Datuk Seri Najib Razak's wife in his blog, and said that he was only questioning her lifestyle, given the rumours surrounding her alleged splurges.

"There are rumours out there that she spent RM3 million just for flower decorations for the (daughter’s wedding).

"The problem is 'orang cerita' (people talk), it could be wrong or factual. 'Itu jadi masalah' (that is the problem)," Dr Mahathir was quoted as saying by Malaysiakini.

The news portal reported that he was speaking to reporters after delivering a talk on youth and nation building at the German-Malaysian Institute in Bangi, Selangor.

Dr Mahathir was also reported saying he did not listen to Najib's speech last night at the launch of the Performance and Delivery Unit 2014 Annual Report, which was televised live.

In his speech, Najib had said that he and his government ministers "will not budge or surrender" despite mounting pressure and criticism.

But Dr Mahathir said that this did not excuse Najib from explaining controversies involving strategic investment fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

"The problem now is that the money is missing. It is not one or two million ringgit but RM14 or RM20 billion.

"Where has the money gone to?" Malaysiakini quoted him as saying after the press asked him about Najib standing his ground in the face of Dr Mahathir's on-going criticism.

The former prime minister has taken to blogging and making comments in public about issues he wanted Najib to explain. – April 29, 2015.