‘SOME UMNO LEADERS SELF-SERVING’
They were loyal only when party was in power, says Najib
FORMER prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak claimed that there are Umno members who have turned their backs on the party after the fall of a leader, most likely referring to himself following his resignation as party president.
In a report by Sinar Harian, Najib said some of those who were only loud in proclaiming their loyalty while Umno was in power were those with positions in Umno.
He said most of them only thought about gaining profit for themselves.
“Sometimes, there are those who say they are loyal, but their loyalty is only when we are in power. When we no longer have power, they step on Umno’s flags.
“People like this should just leave Umno. We only want people who are loyal or are willing to die in Umno,” he was quoted by the Malay daily as saying.
The former prime minister said this when he attended a gathering organised by Persatuan Kebajikan Insan Mulia (PKIM) and Pulau Ketam Wanita Umno division on Saturday.
He was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and children.
Admitting that he felt sad that Umno had lost in the 14th General Election, Najib said among the factors that contributed to the defeat were party members who had forgotten the principles and value of their struggles.
“We prioritise what we can get. We prioritise our clique, and when we don’t get what we want, we go as far as betraying the party,” he said.
“There are those who threaten the party if they don’t make it as a candidate.
“The strange thing was that this was done by those with positions in the party. If this is how they behave, it is no wonder the opposition (then) managed to attack us. People look at Umno in a situation where we have forgotten the traditional values of our struggles,” he added.
Commenting on self-reflection, Najib said this had to be done by each and every party member.
“Let us be sincere, loyal and love Umno’s struggles. Only then can there be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.