NAJIB: I DON’T INTERFERE IN UMNO
Former party president says Zahid is free to make decisions
DATUK Seri Najib Razak has denied causing problems in Umno, as claimed by his once staunch loyalists. The Pekan member of parliament said he had not interfered with Umno’s affairs since stepping down as prime minister and party president.
He said Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was unquestionably the leader of the party.
“I do not think that there is a problem because since I left and resigned (as prime minister and party president), I have not interfered with Umno’s administration.
“Zahid is free to make decisions. For example, on the question of office bearers and candidates for the Sungai Kandis by-election, I am backing him in his capacity as party president and giving him (necessary) cooperation as well,” Najib said at the Parliament lobby yesterday.
Several Umno leaders had made calls for the party to distance itself from its former president to drive Umno forward following the defeat in the 14th General Election.
Najib said it was only fair for him to defend himself to clear up misconceptions.
“I am entitled to defend my policies, as well as to clear the wrong perception and (alleged) manipulation of facts and figures by the new government.
“I think it is only fair. Self defence is a right given to any citizen. That is why I am exercising my right to explain our policies and reasoning on why we did certain things.
“It is my duty to explain, in self defence. That is the only thing I am doing because I am also a lawmaker, and, occasionally, I will speak in Parliament as that is my duty.”
Najib said he would not campaign for Barisan Nasional in the Balakong by-election next week.
“Balakong? Oh no. I will not. I want to rest.”
Several quarters in the party suggested that Najib distance himself from the BN machinery following graft allegations that tainted his image.
Some party leaders had reportedly advised the former Umno president to refrain from campaigning for BN in by-elections, as seen in Sungai Kandis earlier this month.
However, Najib said he was in Sungai Kandis only upon a request by the BN candidate, Datuk Lokman Noor Adam.
“I was not keen to be on the ground, but I was invited by Lokman. He urged me to come down.
“On that reason, he stood by me. That is why I decided to be there. It was not in my original plan to do so.”
The Balakong and Seri Setia byelections will take place simultaneously. The Election Commission has fixed Aug 18 for nomination and Sept 8 for polling.