DATUK Seri Najib Razak’s spirit would neither fade nor would his incarceration dampen UMNO’s struggles, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Recalling the former premier’s remark that the might of the judicial machinery was pinned against him in the most unfair manner, the UMNO president described the Federal Court’s decision to uphold Najib’s conviction and sentence in the SRC International case as a “heart-wrenching moment” for the party.
“Those of us who were inside and outside the court felt dejected and some were shedding tears. However, this does not mean we have given up,” he said in a Facebook post last night.
In expressing his hopes that the former prime minister would find the strength and fortitude to face the test, he urged his fellow party members to continue to stand in solidarity.
“We believe that the darkest night would be followed by the brightest dawn. Time will decide everything. We will continue to be with Najib through good times and bad times,” he vowed.
“No betrayals among us”
Calling Najib a “genuine warrior” who would not relent despite the challenges ahead of him, Zahid urged the former prime minister and other fellow UMNO members to find solace in the Quranic verse that there is “no need to be crestfallen when Allah is with us”.
“We will be rational and submit to the party’s decisions … There will be no treachery among us. We know who our friends and foes are,” he elaborated, adding that the party’s political bureau would meet soon.
Najib was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment and a fine of RM210 mil in 2020 after he was convicted on seven charges brought against him for abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust over SRC International funds amounting to RM42 mil.
His conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal in December 2021 and affirmed by the Federal Court yesterday (Aug 23).
Following the Federal Court’s decision, Najib was taken to the Kajang Prison to serve his 12-year prison sentence. – Aug 24, 2022
