Subscriptions

Log In

Toggle navigation

StarPlus

News

Asean+

Business

Sport

Metro

Lifestyle

Food

Tech

Education

Opinion

Videos

Photos

StarPicks

TOPICS

State polls: Brewing discontent among Najib supporters

By TARRENCE TAN

NATION

Tuesday, 11 Jul 2023

10:58 AM MYT

Related News

Najib supporters still back unity govt but grow impatient, says daughterNATION 07 Jul 2023

Najib supporters still back unity govt but grow impatient, says daughter

NATION 08 Jul 2023

Najib supporters want more done for him, says daughter

NATION 13h ago

CJ: Protect sensitive data

Najib’s popularity with Barisan supporters is well documented – like this 2019 instance on a
walkabout in Beranang, Selangor. - file picture

PETALING JAYA: Brewing internal turmoil within Umno, unless handled properly, may derail the
party's ability to deliver the Malay votes to the unity govt in the coming six state elections.

A major discontent comes from Umno supporters of Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who felt that the party
leadership has not done enough to secure the former Umno president's release from jail via a royal
pardon.

Umno Youth permanent chairman Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said party members noticed the lack of
support among top leaders towards Najib in the recent party general assembly last month.

“It could have been due to Umno’s current position in the unity government, whereby aligning with
a leader involved with a corruption scandal can be costly in terms of politics and public perception.

“This situation creates various perceptions among Najib supporters who wanted clear action instead
of words,” said Wan Agyl.

Wan Agyl also conceded that the party’s top leadership was aware of discontent among Umno
members during the general assembly.

“Therefore, the speech by Najib’s eldest son (Datuk) Nizar was the best solution to calm Umno
supporters down.

“But, it is hard to predict how effective this was,” said Wan Agyl.

During the Umno general assembly last month, Nizar played a short video clip of Najib, and gave a
speech saying that his father wanted Umno members to remain loyal to the party and president.

Meanwhile, Wan Agyl argued Najib’s influence on Umno can be seen in the contrasting results of the
Johor and Melaka state polls and the 15th General Election.
“Support for Najib was seen to be stronger than support towards Umno. This is seen through the
Johor and Melaka state polls results, when Najib was campaigning for the party and in GE15, after
Najib was imprisoned,” said Wan Agyl.

“That is why he is seen as an unpredictable factor that could influence political dynamics,” added
Wan Agyl.

Despite drowning in court cases, Wan Agyl said Najib is still enjoying rising support, even with
Bersatu and PAS leaders, who recently called for the former premier to be pardoned.

“They also claim that Najib was a victim of injustice and they are supporting a pardon for him,”
added Wan Agyl.

Wan Agyl said the top leadership should take into account the risk of Najib supporters boycotting
the state polls.

“I’m confident that Najib supporters will not resort to a boycott. But, this matter should be handled
tactfully,” added Wan Agyl.

Federal Territories Umno Youth chief Datuk Aliff Firdaus said the Umno general assembly last month
had spoken extensively on various issues such as urban poverty, youth economy and among others

“But, Najib remains (a pertinent) issue in the Umno general assembly because the struggle for justice
is being carried by Umno grassroots leaders themselves,” added Aliff.

Aliff also played down murmurs of party members boycotting the state polls, as he was confident
that Umno’s top leaders are currently fighting for justice in Najib’s case.

“In fact, Najib himself does not want Umno members to shield him,” said Aliff.

Aliff said Umno members were rational when it comes to seeking justice for Najib and the upcoming
state elections.

“Because, the most important issue is the party itself,” said Aliff.
“To me, the (boycott) factor is the game played by our political opponents to weaken the spirits of
Umno members,” added Aliff.

The six states - Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kelantan and Kedah - will be having
elections on Aug 12.

Najib is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence at the Kajang prison after his conviction was
upheld by the Federal Court on Aug 23 last year.

In April, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Najib’s pardon request was not discussed
during the Pardons Board meeting at the time.

Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!

TAGS / KEYWORDS:

Najib Razak , State Elections , Supporters , Umno , Barisan Nasional

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Related News

Najib supporters still back unity govt but grow impatient, says daughterNATION 07 Jul 2023

Najib supporters still back unity govt but grow impatient, says...

Najib supporters want more done for him, says daughterNATION 08 Jul 2023

Najib supporters want more done for him, says daughter

CJ: Protect sensitive dataNATION 13h ago

CJ: Protect sensitive data

Related News

Najib supporters still back unity govt but grow impatient, says daughterNATION 07 Jul 2023

Najib supporters still back unity govt but grow impatient, says...

Najib supporters want more done for him, says daughterNATION 08 Jul 2023
Najib supporters want more done for him, says daughter

CJ: Protect sensitive dataNATION 13h ago

CJ: Protect sensitive data

Trending in News

NATION52m ago

Anwar-Musk meeting will have spillover effect on Malaysia's...

Anwar-Musk meeting will have spillover effect on Malaysia's EV journey, says economist

NATION1h ago

Man facing trial for dragging dog with car in PD wants charges...

Man facing trial for dragging dog with car in PD wants charges amended

NATION2h ago

Ustaz faces two charges of insulting Agong at Ipoh court

Ustaz faces two charges of insulting Agong at Ipoh court

SABAH & SARAWAK1h ago

Sabah teen's love for animals shines through

Sabah teen's love for animals shines through

SABAH & SARAWAK1h ago

Two men drown while looking for clams near Kuching

Two men drown while looking for clams near Kuching

6
SABAH & SARAWAK2h ago

11-year-old girl from Kota Belud found safe and sound after...

11-year-old girl from Kota Belud found safe and sound after 'running away' from home

NATION1h ago

Penang DAP to hold fund-raising dinner with top unity govt...

Penang DAP to hold fund-raising dinner with top unity govt leaders expected to attend

NATION2h ago

STPM results out on July 13, says Examination Council

STPM results out on July 13, says Examination Council

NATION1h ago

Johor marine police bust counterfeit liquor syndicate...

Johor marine police bust counterfeit liquor syndicate thanks to tip off

10

NATION24m ago

Thai woman in Kota Baru escapes gallows, freed of drug...

Thai woman in Kota Baru escapes gallows, freed of drug trafficking charge

Others Also Read

Woman nabbed over baggage scam at KLIA

NATION5h ago

Woman nabbed over baggage scam at KLIA

INTERACTIVE: Key facts on state seats

STARPLUS1d ago

INTERACTIVE: Key facts on state seats

Nightmare dressed like a daydream: Engineer loses RM11,530 to Taylor Swift concert ticket scam
NATION18h ago

Nightmare dressed like a daydream: Engineer loses RM11,530 to Taylor Swift...

Avoid spreading fake news, Deputy Comms Minister advises politicians

NATION1h ago

Avoid spreading fake news, Deputy Comms Minister advises politicians

Harnessing the power of Youth

STARPICKS

Harnessing the power of Youth

Beckhams celebrate daughter Harpers 12th birthday with Prada party

ENTERTAINMENT20h ago

Beckhams celebrate daughter Harpers 12th birthday with Prada party

Singaporean university students in UK hit by marking boycott

SINGAPORE2h ago

Singaporean university students in UK hit by marking boycott

State polls: Brewing discontent among Najib supporters

NATION2h ago

State polls: Brewing discontent among Najib supporters

Man facing trial for dragging dog with car in PD wants charges amended

NATION1h ago

Man facing trial for dragging dog with car in PD wants charges amended

State polls: Barisan, Pakatan to launch election machinery starting July 15, says Zambry

NATION15h ago

State polls: Barisan, Pakatan to launch election machinery starting July 15, says Zambry

Bernama told to channel contribution to family of late Wan Noor Hayati fast, says Fahmi

NATION14h ago

Bernama told to channel contribution to family of late Wan Noor Hayati fast, says...

Ustaz faces two charges of insulting Agong at Ipoh court

NATION2h ago

Ustaz faces two charges of insulting Agong at Ipoh court

Load More

StarPicks
Win food prizes and fund meals for delivery riders

CALLING all food lovers. You are invited to embark on a delicious journey that not only satisfies your
cravings but also spreads joy to food delivery riders through the...

Read More

Subscriptions

The Star Digital Access

Newsstand

Advertising

Our Rate Card

Classifieds

Company Info

About Us

Job Opportunities

Investor Relations

Help

Contact Us

FAQs

Policies

Privacy Statement

Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 1995- Star Media Group Berhad [197101000523 (10894-D)]

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

Home

For You

Bookmark
Audio

Search