KUALA LUMPUR – The mood of the Merdeka Hall in the World Trade Centre dipped when lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah took to the stage, compared to the thunderous applause and chants during Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan’s welcoming speech.
Despite the 3,000-odd Umno members showing support for disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, some of them appeared to be uninterested during Shafee’s lengthy speech.
Shafee was among the key speakers at a special briefing for party members called by Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi following Najib’s imprisonment on Tuesday.
Just as Umno secretary-general Ahmad invited Shafee to the stage, some of the attendees were heard saying “perlu ke?” (is this necessary?).
In his speech, Shafee spoke on how he would present the case in court, bringing up the allegedly forged signatures of then SRC International Sdn Bhd director Datuk Suboh Md Yassin, Najib’s good relationship with Saudi Arabia, and the bid to hire a Queen’s Counsel.
Shafee also linked judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali, who presided over Najib’s SRC International hearing in high court, with his previous role in Maybank.
However, his legal explanation did not appear to woo the crowd, some occasionally responding with scattered assent when he mentioned that Najib was not accorded a fair trial.
Many were looking at their phones or talking, although Shafee did get some applause when he mentioned lawyer Datuk Zaid Ibrahim by name.
This is Umno’s third significant meeting this week – the same time Najib was sent to prison after the Federal Court upheld his SRC International conviction.
Ahmad, in his welcoming speech, led the attendees in chanting “Hidup bossku” (“Long live my boss”) and “Malu apa, bossku” (“What is there to be ashamed of, my boss”) while recounting Najib’s contributions as prime minister to thunderous applause.
However, there was no mention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is party vice-president. He is not in attendance, as he is in Bera for constituency matters and events. Also not in attendance is Ketereh Umno chief Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is believed to be in his constituency today.
Other key notable speakers today include Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Najib’s daughter, Nooryana Najwa, who is expected to present her father’s message to the party.
At the venue, there were several banners with supportive words for Najib, while some were carrying placards with his face and the words “Hidup bossku” (“Long live my boss”).
There was also a section with several boxes for members to leave messages for Najib. – The Vibes, August 27, 2022
