‘Criticism against Najib reflects Zahid’s weakness’
KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin said criticism levelled at former Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Razak reflected the party’s disappointment with Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s leadership.
The former information minister, in his blog zamkata.blogspot.com, yesterday said some Umno leaders were unhappy with Zahid, who appeared to allow himself to be overshadowed by Najib.
“Several Umno leaders are not comfortable with Zahid’s weak leadership.
“No dynamic change has taken place in the party’s new leadership (led by Zahid, and Umno continues to show affection towards Najib.
“The setting up of a fund to help Najib settle bail in his corruption trial and his presence at the Sungai Kandis by-election, hoping that a win (for Barisan Nasional) will clear his name, have further tainted Najib’s name.
“Umno top leaders are uneasy with such situations, hence the criticism against Najib.”
Najib came under fire from several Umno leaders after he actively campaigned for BN candidate Datuk Lokman Noor Adam in the Sungai Kandis by-election.
Among them were Umno vicepresident Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, secretary-general Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Titiwanga chief Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani and Perlis BN chairman Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim.
Zahid, however, defended Najib, saying under Umno’s constitution, until a person was found guilty, his or her position in the party as an elected leader would be maintained.