GEORGE TOWN: United States President Donald Trump's invitation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to the White House is a recognition of the highest order to the country, Gerakan said today.
As such, Gerakan central committee member and Penang Gerakan vice-chairman Oh Tong Keong said he failed to see the rationale behind DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang's open letter calling on cabinet members to veto the prime minister from visiting the White House.
"What is the DAP supremo afraid about our prime minister's visit to the White House? Why is he interfering?
"There is no reason for the prime minister not to accept the invitation. All the more, the prime minister needs to go with the recognition accorded.
"This is a golden opportunity for Malaysia to attract more US investments to the country," he told the New Straits Times.
Oh said, if Najib decides not to go, then the opposition would link it to the controversy surrounding the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
"What are the allegations against the prime minister on 1MDB? Even DAP's Kepong member of parliament and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) vice-chairman Dr Tan Seng Giaw had said that the prime minister should not be held accountable over the dealings by 1MDB.
"Now that the prime minister is going, the opposition is making it into an issue as well. So, what is your (Lim's) problem? he asked.
Oh also asked if the people would rather have a prime minister who is recognised in the world or one who is a "jaguh kampung".
In reality, Oh said Lim was raising the issue to divert the people's attention to the numerous issues plaguing the opposition currently.
"Even his son, Guan Eng, had regarded Trump a 'dungu' (idiot). Is he not afraid that the US will pull away their investments from Penang?
"Really, Lim should advise his son rather than meddling in others' affairs," he noted.
Lim, in a blog posting, had said that the cabinet should take a patriotic stand at its meeting on the eve of the 60th National Day to veto Najib from visiting the White House to meet Trump on Sept 12.
A recent Wisma Putra statement had said that Najib would be making a working visit to Washington, D.C. on Sept 12, following an invitation from the US President.
The two leaders are expected to discuss on mutually beneficial cooperation including on national safety and ways to combat terrorism and extremism activities as well as on trade and investment between the two nations.
Malaysia and US will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of bilateral ties this year, which have been enhanced to comprehensive partnership level under the leadership of Najib.