BENTONG – Former Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob has insisted that imprisoned former prime minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak is innocent, claiming that the latter had been duped by irresponsible individuals.
Speaking on the graft conviction related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, Adnan said that his fellow Barisan Nasional (BN) leader merely wanted to venture into the international business scene, with the end goal of bettering the people’s welfare.
“Najib’s intention was actually to invest overseas and do business there. He knew it was a risky but profitable venture,” he said during a BN campaign event here this evening.
“Sadly, halfway through his attempt, he was played (out) by others.
“I don’t believe that Najib has done anything wrong, but I will accept that he has been charged since unexpected things can always happen in this world.”
The Bentong BN chairman called on voters to ignore accusations of bribery and corruption against the coalition, reminding the gathering that BN has “done much good” for the people here.
In August, the Federal Court upheld the high court’s decision to convict Najib of all seven charges in the SRC International corruption case, as well as the 12-year prison sentence meted out.
The apex court also upheld the decision for the former Pekan MP to pay the RM210 million fine imposed by the high court.
Adnan’s speech was met by rousing cheers and applause from the crowd numbering around 200 people.
The event, held at an open area food court here to promote BN’s 15th general election (GE15) candidates, also saw food coupons worth RM10 being distributed to attendees.
Commenting on BN’s Bentong parliamentary candidate, former MCA president Tan Sri Liow Tiong Lai, Adnan urged voters to give Liow a chance to resume “interrupted” works in the constituency.
“(Liow) lost (the Bentong federal seat) after four terms, so he should be given a chance to continue the good he has done here,” he said.
During the previous general election, Liow had been unseated from Bentong by Wong Tack, who is now vying to defend the constituency as an independent candidate after being dropped by DAP for Young Syefura Othman.
Adnan also took a shot at Young Syefura, alleging that the incumbent Ketari assemblyman has left the burden of caring for the people in her constituency to BN and its linchpin Umno.
“I liked (Young Syefura) at first, she seemed to be doing some groundwork, but over the past few weeks, she has been lying a lot,” he said.
“Out of 78 struggling Orang Asli families, she will only come and take photos of her helping 10 (families). Umno will have to provide aid for the rest (of the families).
“I’m sorry to say this, but she is a hypocrite.”
The Bentong parliamentary seat is set to see a five-cornered fight between Wong, Liow, Young Syefura, Perikatan Nasional’s Datuk Roslan Hassan, and another independent candidate, Khalil Abdul Hamid. – The Vibes, November 7, 2022
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