THE sumptuous dinner was ready. The guests from Pahang Umno were ready. But, the guest of honour with more pressing matters than breaking bread was a no-show.

Beleaguered former prime minister Najib Razak was, instead, at home with his lawyers, preparing for his visit to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters tomorrow morning.

Last week, the agency had summoned Najib to its office at 10am tomorrow, for what is widely believed to be investigations into the SRC International case.

The breaking-of-fast event at the Putra World Trade Centre tonight was organised by Pahang Umno. The members were told at the last minute that Najib would not be attending.

“He said he could not make it as he was preparing to have his statement taken,” said an Umno member, who declined to be named.

The event was attended by some 200 people, including top Pahang Umno leaders like former menteri besar Adnan Yaakob, former rural and regional development minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Rompin MP Hasan Arifin.

Asked about the troubles facing Najib, they declined to comment.

In 2016, Hasan, in his capacity as Public Accounts Committee chairman, had cleared Najib of any wrongdoing in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal.

In recent days, however, police have raided premises linked to Najib, including his old office in Putrajaya.

Among the items seized were 284 handbags, and 72 luggage bags of various sizes filled with jewellery, cash and other valuables.

Najib has denied all the corruption allegations against him, saying the seized items were gifts for his daughter’s wedding and donations for Barisan Nasional.

Following the coalition’s crushing defeat to Pakatan Harapan in the 14th general election, he stepped down as BN chairman and Umno president. – May 21, 2018.