Over the weekend (29th September), Umno opened their first general assembly as an opposition party since the 14th general election which was held earlier in May.
This was also the first general assembly since the election that former prime minister and former party president Najib Tun Razak appeared as an ordinary Umno party member. Recent events did not shake his beliefs in the party at all, as he stated on Twitter that he would continue to remain loyal to Umno.
Selagi hayat dikandung badan, selagi masih bernafas dan roh dalam jasad, berjuanglah. Saya akan terus tetap bersama rakyat dan UMNO dulu, kini dan selamanya. pic.twitter.com/qVgJZDZHAD
— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) September 30, 2018
This year’s Umno General Assembly, held at the Putra World Trade Center (PWTC) was reportedly less lively than previous years. According to the Malay Mail, this year’s assembly saw a smaller crowd, as fewer supporters were gathered outside the Merdeka Hall compared to previous years. However, this did not stop Najib’s supporters from giving the former prime minister some words of encouragement.
According to Free Malaysia Today, he was greeted by a number of his supporters who chanted, “Hidup Najib” (“Long live Najib“) upon his arrival.
Overwhelmed by the support, pictures of him crying soon began to circulate. The former prime minister took to Twitter to address why he became so emotional, thanking his supporters for having his back during this difficult time.
Maafkan saya tak dapat nak tahan sebak dan air mata tadi. Saya sabar, saya redha. Ini semua ujian oleh Allah. Dan kini saya tahu saya tidak keseorangan, saya ada saudara-saudari semua di sisi saya memberi kekuatan dan sokongan. Moga Allah merahmati kita semua. pic.twitter.com/tYBS9RTU4I
— Mohd Najib Tun Razak (@NajibRazak) September 30, 2018
His tweet translates,
“I am sorry that I was not able to control my emotions earlier. I am patient and I accept what cannot be changed. This is all a test from Allah and now I know that I am not alone, as I have brothers and sisters all by my side to give me strength and support. May Allah show us mercy.”
Najib is currently facing a total of 32 charges, which include money laundering and abuse of power related to his alleged involvement in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal. He has pled not guilty to all charges.
What do you think about Najib’s emotional tweet? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Najib: Three Months Have Passed And No Prosecution, Please Return RM116.7mil UMNO Funds