UMNO supporters in Pekan said they were unable to accept the “cruel actions” purportedly carried out by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad against their Umno division leader, Najib Razak.

“Jahat betul (very cruel). It cannot be accepted here,” said a party committee member when met at Najib’s residence in Pekan. “We believe it’s purposely carried out to get at him.”

Umno loyalists, who reiterated their support for Najib, were unable to accept the manner in which police investigations were carried out on the former prime minister, which included round-the-clock searches of homes and offices.

The committee member, who declined to be named, said investigations into 1Malaysia Development Bhd were just a means to take revenge on Najib, who they believe is innocent of wrongdoing.

“He’s not that sort of person (to be misappropriating funds),” he said, on the seizure of personal items since raids began on Najib’s residences and offices since Wednesday night.

He added the party leaders were “merawat jiwa” (salving their wounded souls) following the astounding defeat of Barisan Nasional on May 9.

“It’s hard to accept. Defeat was one thing, but it was made worse (by Dr Mahathir’s administration) with the ransacking of his (Najib’s) home. Whatever happens, we are with him (Najib),” he said.

Umno division member Sheikh Shahiri said they remained loyal to Najib and wanted the former party president to be their parliamentary representative.

“What happened was like a (rampasan kuasa) power grab. As soon as he was overthrown, he was immediately investigated. They should allow his wrongdoing to be proven with evidence first,” he said outside Najib’s residence in Pekan.

Najib was accompanied by 200 supporters who welcomed his arrival this afternoon, his first visit to his home state after the May 9 defeat.

The former BN leader is expected to speak to party members at a meeting in Pekan this evening. – May 20, 2018.