BARISAN Nasional lost in the 14th general election because it did not make “sweet and unrealistic promises” like Pakatan Harapan, said former president Najib Razak.

The former prime minister said BN had always taken the higher road and only promised things that it could deliver. 

“I was too good. People said I was too good to believe in such politics. Even though we lost, we held on to principles. We are a party with honour,” Najib said during a speech at Umno Pekan today.

The former Umno president said PH practised “Machiavellian politics”. 

“It is about tarnishing leaders’ names and making sweet promises which will not be fulfilled.

“Their campaign is based on personal attacks, spreading slander and hate,” Najib said.

He said among PH’s “false” promises was that it would reduce fuel prices when it took over the government. 

He said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had also said that Najib would declare an emergency if BN lost, which had also proved false.

“There were those who said I would not surrender power peacefully, that I would call for an emergency, but that didn’t happen.”

Najib urged Umno and BN members not to give up on the coalition.

“I readily accept the defeat with an open heart but now we must continue to fight for the people and we must show the people that we are sincere,” he said.

Najib, who is the Pekan MP, launched the Umno branch meeting as the Pekan division chief.

It was his first official appearance at an Umno event since he stepped down as party president last week. – May 20, 2018.