BIGGEST JOKE: I'm a leader who accepts criticisms - Najib trumpets himself

PASIR GUDANG - A new battlefield in perception created by the social media has to be countered, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the country was facing challenging times which were different from the issues of the 90s and 80s due to the perception created by social media.

He acknowledged that this new battlefield needs to be countered.

"We need to manage the perceptions against the reality faced by the country, which were negatively influencing people's mind.

"I am not a leader who does not accept criticisms as long as it is constructive," he said at the Pasir Gudang Umno delegates meeting here on Sunday.

Najib also gave the assurance that he would give more clarification on issues facing the nation.

On the 1Malaysia Development Bhd issue, Najib said that the RM42bil were "debts that can be settled."

"I have asked for six months to bring down the company's debt and intend to do it. There will be more announcements in the coming months," he said.

He said there were other bigger scandals in the past amounting to billions of ringgit in losses but declined to elaborate.

However, he said, there had been many other programmes which brought progress to the country which people refused to look at.

On the RM2.6bil donation, Najib said the matter had been clarified by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission.

"It has been the norm for us to accept political donations to be used for the party all these years," he said.

On the Cabinet reshuffle, Najib said he understood the Johor sentiments but something had to be done about it.

He assured party members that he would continue to helm and steer the country during these trying times. - ANN