Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming has defended his stance on former prime minister Najib Razak following calls for his resignation, while congratulating Barisan Nasional (BN) on its commanding victory in the Johor state election.
In a statement today, Nga said the democratic process must be respected by all parties, describing BN’s two-thirds majority as a mandate that carries significant responsibility and must be exercised with integrity.
He also expressed appreciation to Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters, party workers and volunteers for their dedication throughout the campaign, pledging that the coalition would continue serving the people despite the electoral setback.
“Although we did not win this time, tomorrow is another day. Pakatan Harapan remains committed to working hard and serving the people and the nation,” he said.
Responding to calls for his resignation over remarks made during an exclusive interview with Oriental Daily, Nga said his position reflected his long-standing principles as an advocate and solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, stressing that the credibility of Malaysia’s judicial system must be upheld.
He said that if Najib, who has been convicted in the 1MDB-related cases, were to be released without serving a punishment commensurate with his offences, it would undermine the credibility of the judiciary and erode the rule of law as enshrined in the Rukun Negara.
Nga said he would be prepared to resign from the Cabinet if such a situation were to arise, describing it as a matter of principle to safeguard the integrity of the country’s judicial system rather than a personal issue.
“It has nothing to do with personal considerations. It is fundamentally a matter of principle,” he said.
