“One or two bags, why not? She’s a lady. I know women like handbags. In fact, I was told that one of the ways to tackle a girl is by buying her a handbag,” he told reporters at Parliament lobby here today.

Tajuddin was then asked about the allegation made by the Australian Broadcasting Channel (ABC) stating that documents it sighted showed that Najib had allegedly spent millions of ringgit on payments for his credit card and Rosmah’s jewellery.

The deputy agriculture and agro-based industry minister then replied: “Some Indian ladies like to wear (jewellery) up to (their elbows). Not diamond or gold, just the imitation type … very cheap.

“But I don’t see Rosmah wearing jewellery up to her elbows.”

He also defended Najib and his wife, saying that they had been moderate in their spending, even when they went on holidays.

“They go on holidays just like anyone else. There are so many people buying handbags. You go to the malls in Singapore and you see everyone is buying handbags. What’s wrong with that?

“It depends whether you can afford it. If they can, they buy it.

“You don’t be jealous. I can afford it, so I can buy this suit,” he added in reference to the formal attire he wore in Parliament.

The Wall Street Journal had recently alleged that Najib and his family had been living a luxurious life, spending over USD15 million on holidays, shopping and jewellery.

To this Tajuddin said: “Stop attacking Rosmah. (Penang chief minister) Lim Guan Eng bought the house because his wife likes it. He said that himself.

“If you sayang (love) your wife and if you have the money, buy lah.”