[UPDATED] Najib praying for unity govt’s success, says Zahid as Anwar watches on

KUALA LUMPUR – The unity government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has the staunch support of former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is currently imprisoned over corruption charges. 

In his policy speech at the Umno general assembly today, Najib’s successor Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi assured that the ex-prime minister is “praying and hoping” for the unity government’s success in the coming elections in six states. 

“Even though he (Najib) is not physically with us at the moment, his soul and energy is still with us. Let’s cheer for him,” an evidently emotional Zahid said, to which the crowd of nearly 3,000 delegates began chanting “Bebas Bossku” and “Hidup Bossku,” referring to Najib’s infamous moniker. 

With the historic Dewan Merdeka reverberating with impassioned calls for Najib’s release from prison, the crowd was then shown a video of the former prime minister’s son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar Najib, stating that his father is a firm believer in the unity government’s capabilities. 

“My father (Najib) has never given us any instructions to attack the Umno presidential institution or components of the unity government. He has always asked us to be loyal to the party and follow the president’s orders. 

“(Accusations of Najib doing otherwise) are a perception game by irresponsible parties. (Najib) has never asked Umno members to turn their backs on the party,” Nizar said in the brief video. 

After the video, Zahid then stressed that Umno’s stance on pressing for Najib’s release from Kajang Prison has not changed and said: “To (Najib’s) family, have patience. God will grant our prayers in time.” 

Also present at the assembly’s opening ceremony held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur was Anwar, who joined the proceedings for the first time since 1998, when he was then the party’s deputy president.

Zahid took the opportunity to remark: “Prime minister, see for yourself… this (crowd cheering) is authentic.”

During Anwar’s entrance to the hall earlier today, throngs of delegates were seen holding up posters displaying their solidarity with Najib, who is currently serving a 12-year jail sentence after he was convicted in the RM42-million SRC International graft case. 

The Umno Supreme Council has since filed for a royal pardon to be granted to Najib, following the Federal Court’s decision to reject his review application to overturn his conviction.   

Anwar had subsequently confirmed that he will be part of the pardon process, maintaining that there is no conflict of interest as the final decision on the matter will be made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Meanwhile, Zahid also appeared to remind Anwar that Umno is seeking to have representatives from its parties be part of the three Pakatan Harapan (PH)-governed states – Penang, Selangor, and Negri Sembilan. 

Noting that the looming state polls will be a way to foster better cooperation between Umno and PH component members, Zahid said: “Dear prime minister, don’t forget, we want Umno representatives in these three states as currently we don’t have any.” – The Vibes, June 9, 2023