Najib's supporters in high spirits despite low turnout
Arriving as early as 7.30am, some 40 Umno members and supporters from divisions as far as Kelantan and Pahang rallied in a call to “Bebas Bossku!” (Free Bossku!).
In preparation for what is expected to be a long wait for...
Although small in numbers, supporters of former premier Najib Abdul Razak remained in high spirits as they gathered outside the Palace of Justice awaiting a verdict on his 25 1MDB-linked charges today.
Arriving as early as 7.30am, some 40 Umno members and supporters from divisions as far as Kelantan and Pahang rallied in a call to “Bebas Bossku!” (Free Bossku!).
In preparation for what is expected to be a long wait for the verdict by judge Colin Lawrence Sequerah, several women came prepared with homemade nasi lemak, which they served to supporters with a variety of side dishes.
From Pekan Umno, the division previously led by Najib and where he also served as MP, 71-year-old Norma Jalal said she has been in Kuala Lumpur since Monday to also attend the recent decision on Najib’s house arrest bid, which has been rejected.
“Why is this even needed? We are not going to jump the ‘fence’,” she said while leaning on a metal barricade watched over by security officers screening vehicles and people walking up to the court entrance.
“I came on my own, but there might be others who came together by bus,” said the Pekan Umno Women permanent chairperson, who has been a party member for five decades.
Police sirens signalled Najib’s arrival in a Black Maria at around 8.25am, while a personal car believed to belong to his family members passed through the barrier about 20 minutes later.
‘All for Bossku’
Bagan Serai Umno Women committee member Faridatul Akma Osman, 61, was among the supporters who had been in Kuala Lumpur for almost a week.
“I’m just staying with a friend. We’re all here for Bossku, and no matter what happens, the most important thing is our sincere intentions,” she told Malaysiakini.
For retired civil servant Halijah Ibrahim, 69, her support for Najib and a BN-led administration partly stemmed from gratitude over benefits received, including a full scholarship to further her studies in the US.
Commenting on the 1MDB-linked trial proceedings, which started in 2019, Halijah cited alleged “injustices” and “unfair treatment” towards Najib - a narrative also amplified by supporters in their online “live” commentary from outside the court today.
“That is why I am saddened by this situation,” she said, adding that many among the younger generations have fallen for the “slander” against Najib.
Halijah also noted the smaller number of supporters today, in comparison to Monday’s crowd at the Kuala Lumpur Court Complex, was partly due to disappointment with the past verdict.
Army veteran Ali Baharom, better known as “Ali Tinju”, noted that fugitive tycoon Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) was never summoned as a primary witness to the alleged offences.
“Even in a (Muslim) marriage ceremony, if there was no witness, the wedding will not be considered valid,” said Ali, who was best known for leading counter demonstrations opposing the electoral reform group Bersih and the TangkapMO1 anti-corruption protests against Najib.
“So, I hope the government will reconsider the charges brought during the era of Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which were made with malicious intent and damaged Bossku’s dignity," he said, using the popular moniker to reference Najib.
In 2018, it was reported that Ali had left Umno and purportedly joined Bersatu, but he said he is now a PKR member under the Bandar Tun Razak division.
Ali today also appealed for patience from Umno members and the Malay community, and cautioned against any accusations towards party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
“I am confident and believe that Zahid is a very close friend of Najib; they have shared many experiences, and in his heart, he still cares deeply for Najib,” he added.
As for Harapan leaders, particularly the DAP, Ali warned them to "watch their words”.
“If you like something, speak; if you don’t, stay silent. Don’t go as far as hurting the feelings of partners in the government, such as Umno leaders,” he said.
Family, VIPs in solidarity
Among those present today were Najib’s wife Rosmah Mansor and their children Nizar, Nazifuddin and Nooryana Najwa.
Others spotted in the area include former Dewan Rakyat speaker Azhar Azizan Harun and former Terengganu menteri besar Ahmad Said.
The Terengganu Investment Authority (TIA), which later evolved into 1MDB, was set up during Ahmad’s tenure in the state government.
Azhar, a Bersatu leader, told Malaysiakini that he is there in his personal capacity.
"Interested to know the verdict and pronouncement of law," Azhar, who is also a lawyer, said when contacted.
Abuse of power, money laundering
Najib was accused of four counts of power abuse and 21 money laundering charges in 2018. The trial began the following year.
The former premier had allegedly used his position to obtain gratification totalling RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds between Feb 24, 2011 and Dec 19, 2014, at the AmIslamic Bank Berhad branch on Jalan Raja Chulan in Bukit Ceylon.
For the 21 money laundering charges, he is accused of committing the offence at the same bank between March 22, 2013 and Aug 30, 2013.
His power abuse charge was framed under Section 23(1) of the MACC Act 2009, which is punishable under Section 24(1) of the same law, carrying 20 years imprisonment and a fine of either five times the amount of the bribe or RM10,000, whichever is higher.
Najib’s money laundering charges were framed under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act, which provides a maximum fine of RM5 million and imprisonment of up to five years or both.
He was ordered to defend himself against the charges on Oct 30, 2024, after Collin found the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.
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This group don't understand the meaning of corruption.... support blindly big thief. Islam forbids C.