Umno vows to free jailed ex-PM Najib, unclear on strategy

In a recent conclusion to the annual general assembly of Malaysia’s United Malays National Organisation (Umno) party, its president, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, pledged to persist in efforts to secure the release of former Prime Minister Najib Razak. Currently serving a 12-year prison sentence for embezzling funds from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of 1MDB, Najib’s contributions to the party have not been forgotten, according to Zahid. Although the specific plan for achieving Najib’s freedom remains uncertain, the Umno supreme council has made it a key agenda item.

This commitment follows appeals from Najib’s children, urging the party not to abandon their father. Both debaters and leaders at the congress repeatedly addressed the issue of securing Najib’s release. Zahid expressed appreciation for the support from Najib’s children, stating, “Trust me, there will be more Najib Razaks emerging from within Umno and they will continue the struggle fought by Najib Razak.”