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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 verberating with impassioned calls for Najib’s release from prison, the crowd was then shown a video of Najib’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. – The Vibes, June 9, 2023
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