For subscribers
Umno’s ‘Free Najib’ obsession tarnishes Malaysia’s comeback story
When leading political figures push for the release of a leader associated with the 1MDB scandal, it casts doubt on the nation’s commitment to the rule of law, risking Malaysia’s global reputation.
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Within Umno, some argue that Najib’s cause warrants attention due to his enduring popularity among the party’s grassroots.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
Umno president Zahid Hamidi’s voice quivered as he recited a poem titled Buat Seorang Sahabat (For A Friend), tears streaming down his face, during the closing ceremony of the party’s general assembly last weekend.
The emotional tribute was aimed at Najib Razak, the former Malaysian prime minister and Umno chief, who is currently serving a prison sentence following his 2020 conviction related to the 1MDB scandal. As the live broadcast panned to other weeping party members, Datuk Seri Zahid, who is Malaysia’s deputy prime minister, vowed to “work towards your freedom and ensure that you will return to us”.
