Commenting on the detention of two Australian newsmen in Sarawak last weekend, the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister said when it came to Najib, his safety took top priority.

“When our deputy prime minister mentioned there were several attempts to kidnap a few leaders in this country, including the prime minister, we have to be very, very sure their security is taken care of.

“Everyone must understand that whoever comes into the country must respect our laws.

“You are all free to ask me questions, but when it comes to the prime minister, security is more important,” Hamzah told reporters when met outside the Parliament building here.

Last Saturday, Australian Broadcasting Channel journalist Linton Besser, 39, and camera operator Louie Eroglu, 51, were arrested in Kuching for allegedly approaching Najib in an “aggressive” manner.

The duo were attempting to ask Najib about the RM2.6 billion donation scandal. Although police claimed that the newsmen had approached Najib aggressively, a video released by ABC today apparently disputed the claim.

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the Dewan Rakyat last week that authorities had identified several plots by terrorist group Daesh to kidnap several top government leaders, including Najib and himself.

The plots, however, were successfully foiled due to efficient security laws, such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota).