PM decides not to open conference due to 'hostile reception'

PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was advised not to attend the opening of the 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) on Wednesday due to "possible hostile receptions" against him.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Paul Low said as head of the Government certain protocols must be accorded to Najib.

Low said he made the call  to advise  Najib on the possible hostile receptions he could receive due to  allegations against him.

"I'm from Transparency International and I know this will be a meeting of fearless activists and it's going to be hostile," said Low, responding to questions from the floor during a workshop session.

Low said Najib decided against delivering the keynote address in the afternoon after taking into account security concerns and the atmosphere of the conference. Low will be delivering the address.

In earlier press statements, Najib was scheduled to open the conference with the gathering of world anti-corruption experts.