Umno's efforts to help Najib continue - Zahid

PUTRAJAYA - Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that the party's efforts to help Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is currently in prison, are still ongoing.

Zahid, who was speaking to reporters after witnessing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Johor Southeast Development Board (Kejora) and the Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) here today, said that the party's efforts did not require any explanations to the public.

"Don't be caught up in the game of outsiders," he said.

Zahid declined to comment on the claims of no justice for Najib made by the party, and whether it was suspected that supporters of the former prime minister would switch their allegiance in the upcoming state polls in August.

It was reported that Pertubuhan Jalinan Perpaduan Negara Malaysia Chairman, Syed Muhammad Imran Syed Abdul Aziz, said supporters of Najib will switch their support to PN in the upcoming state elections.

This decision stems from the perceived lack of emphasis on justice for Najib by the top leadership of Umno, according to Syed Muhammad Imran.

Langkawi Umno division chief and Najib's son, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin, has expressed that his father enjoys substantial support from the public and grassroots, which may surpass the support for the party itself.

In light of this situation, it is anticipated that a portion of Najib's supporters will either abstain from voting or cast their votes for the opposition in the elections on Aug 12.

Mohd Nazifuddin further stressed the significant influence that Malay support for Umno and BN has on this matter.

In April, the Umno Supreme Council agreed to appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, to consider granting a royal pardon to Najib.

Umno Secretary-General, Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, stated that the Supreme Council will present the necessary documents to His Majesty, along with a memorandum signed by the leadership from 191 divisions, including Umno Wanita, Youth, and Puteri.