KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Najib Razak has supported his successor, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s maiden speech at the Umno annual general assembly.
He described Zahid’s speech as “spirited” and “clear”.
The former Umno president said his successor gave a comprehensive plan for the party to move forward following its defeat in the 14th General Election with a positive tone that should unify the party.
“His maiden speech was spirited and he gave a clear positive outline on how to move forward and also for party members to have resolve and remain united.
“I thought his speech not only covered internal aspects but also on the current situation now that the country is being governed by Pakatan Harapan, which has reneged on many of its promises,” he was quoted as saying in an online portal report.
Najib’s response on Zahid’s speech was contrary to the views of the party’s younger leaders.
Former Umno Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin had said that the new president’s plans were vague.
However, Najib did not touch on the matter when commenting on his successor’s plan for the party. Instead. he said that Zahid’s speech at the opening of Umno’s general assembly on Saturday night should unite and “inspire” members to rally behind the party leadership.
“I hope his speech will act as guidance and inspire members to keep fighting because (Umno) needs commitment and loyalty now,” Najib said.
“Believe that the party’s struggle is bigger than that of the individual,” he added.
Najib stepped down as Umno president and Barisan Nasional chairman days after the coalition was defeated for the first time in its history in the May 9 general election.
The four months since then has seen Najib being charged in as court for a string of corruption-related offences related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
Najib, however, had something to say about a topic which seemed to be widely discussed in this year’s general assembly.
He said Umno was morally obligated to take action against elected representatives who leave the party following BN’s defeat in GE14.
Najib told reporters that any victory obtained by these lawmakers at the national polls were due to them contesting under the BN-Umno ticket.
"In terms of moral principles, we see that something must be done, as they were elected and they won on a BN-Umno ticket.
"When contesting (in the electiono remain), the representatives were given aid (allocation) and support until they succeeded in becoming MPs," he said when quoted by MalaysiaKini.
Zahid had addressed calls from Umno’s three wings on Saturday to take legal action against Umno elected representatives who decided to jump ship to become independents.
The Umno president announced in his policy speech that a writ of summons was initiated on several individuals and that the party had filed claims for repayment costs as it was Umno’s machinery and fundings which helped them clinch victories.
Zahid had also said that these former Umno elected representatives would need to vacate the seats they won on BN-Umno tickets and that they no longer have the moral basis to be the people’s representative.
Since May 9 general election, five Umno MPs have quit the party. The five who left the party are Masjid Tanah MP Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, Bukit Gantang MP Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal, Bagan Serai MP Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali, Jeli MP Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, and Kimanis MP Datuk Seri Anifah Aman.