Puad: Malay support for Umno won't recover as long as Najib denied justice
Published: Jul 7, 2024 1:03 PM
Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi has joined the chorus of coalition government leaders speaking up following its chastening defeat in the Sungai Bakap elections.
In a statement on Facebook, he linked the erosion of support among Malay voters to the fate of jailed ex-premier Najib Abdul Razak.
"For Umno members and Najib's sympathisers, as long as he is denied his rights and fair trial, they will hesitate. Malay support will not recover," said Puad.
On July 3, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Najib’s bid to get leave to proceed with his judicial review to be allowed to serve the remainder of his jail sentence under house arrest.
Currently serving jail time at the Kajang Prison over the RM42 million SRC International corruption case, Najib filed the judicial review leave application after the Pardons Board for Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya reduced his initial jail term of 12 years and RM210 million fine to six years imprisonment and RM50 million fine.
In a statement on Facebook, he linked the erosion of support among Malay voters to the fate of jailed ex-premier Najib Abdul Razak.
"For Umno members and Najib's sympathisers, as long as he is denied his rights and fair trial, they will hesitate. Malay support will not recover," said Puad.
On July 3, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Najib’s bid to get leave to proceed with his judicial review to be allowed to serve the remainder of his jail sentence under house arrest.
Currently serving jail time at the Kajang Prison over the RM42 million SRC International corruption case, Najib filed the judicial review leave application after the Pardons Board for Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya reduced his initial jail term of 12 years and RM210 million fine to six years imprisonment and RM50 million fine.
Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak
Don’t ignore people’s concerns
On that note, Puad, who is also Johor state assembly speaker, urged the government to accept the defeat in Sungai Bakap without making excuses.
"Just accept the defeat in Sungai Bakap. Don't make many excuses and formulas on why you lost. The people are not happy. The trust deficit has come again.
"Success in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election (held on May 11) didn't last long. Some decisions and actions of the government after Kuala Kubu Baharu gave the opposition more ammunition.
"Don't quickly forget the heartland after winning in Kuala Kubu Baharu. Don't be quick to make surprises. Do not ignore the people’s concerns and drop the non-performers," added Puad.
In the by-election, Perikatan Nasional retained its hold on the Sungai Bakap state seat after its candidate, Abidin Ismail, defeated Joohari Ariffin with a majority of 4,267 votes.
The Sungai Bakap by-election was held following the death of the incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, who was also Nibong Tebal PAS division chief, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
Don’t ignore people’s concerns
On that note, Puad, who is also Johor state assembly speaker, urged the government to accept the defeat in Sungai Bakap without making excuses.
"Just accept the defeat in Sungai Bakap. Don't make many excuses and formulas on why you lost. The people are not happy. The trust deficit has come again.
"Success in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election (held on May 11) didn't last long. Some decisions and actions of the government after Kuala Kubu Baharu gave the opposition more ammunition.
"Don't quickly forget the heartland after winning in Kuala Kubu Baharu. Don't be quick to make surprises. Do not ignore the people’s concerns and drop the non-performers," added Puad.
In the by-election, Perikatan Nasional retained its hold on the Sungai Bakap state seat after its candidate, Abidin Ismail, defeated Joohari Ariffin with a majority of 4,267 votes.
The Sungai Bakap by-election was held following the death of the incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, who was also Nibong Tebal PAS division chief, on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.
This is sheer opportunistic politicking.
ReplyDeleteMost Malay voters are not Najib fanboys, their primary concern were on cost of living and Race and Religion.