BOGGED down by leadership and direction issues, Umno grassroots leaders say the party has enough troubles on its own without taking issue with former president Najib Razak’s defence of his scandals.

The former prime minister, who is facing 38 criminal charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, has grown increasingly vocal in both Parliament and his personal social media platforms where he often criticises government statements or defends himself from critics.

On Friday, the Pekan member of Parliament held a town hall session where more than 1,000 Umno members listened to him respond to “lies” hurled against him by Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Umno’s Sri Labuan branch chief Zaharin Mohd Yasin, who was one of Najib’s fiercest critics after the May 9 general election, said the former leader should not be blamed for Umno’s current troubles, which was a lack of direction.

“Najib is no longer the reason (for our state) because he has already been punished by the people. Najib never spoke on behalf of Umno,” said Zaharin.

“If we don’t like him, just be silent. If we don’t support him, let Najib be.”

Umno Johor treasurer Md Jais Sarday agreed that the party’s biggest problem was not Najib, but a lack of direction especially after newly-elected president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was slapped with 45 counts of criminal breach of trust, corruption and money laundering.

“The problem with Umno now is that even after the party elections, we are still directionless,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said that Zahid has been on tour to several states to explain his charges, but has not made clear the direction of Umno moving forward.

“Umno at this point, doesn’t have a leadership. As I’ve said before, it’s like an engine that is running, but doesn’t know where to go.

“If the engine heats up, it could burn or explode,” said Jais.

This lack of clear leadership has in fact helped endear Najib to Umno grassroots members, who respect what they see as boldness in speaking out against issues, said Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan.

He said Najib was slowly regaining popularity amongst some quarters in Umno.

“With the experience he has as former prime minister, Najib has done a good job explaining issues and criticising the new government,” he said.

Dawi Bakri, 57, a member from the Rasah division, told The Malaysian Insight that he respected Najib’s boldness in coming out in public to defend himself.

“Najib is not a liability to Umno as 1MDB is only malicious allegations hurled by PH. There’s no proof that he’s involved in 1MDB,” he said.

“I don’t think 1MDB caused BN’s defeat. The defeat was due to lies spread by PH.

“There’s no problem for him to continue holding functions in Umno’s headquarters either.”

However, other grassroots leaders were less enthusiastic about establishing close ties between Najib and the party.

Umno Pokok Sena division chief Noran Zamini Jamaluddin said Umno should not be too worried about Najib’s growing boldness and outspokenness, adding that his explanations would help clear Umno’s image as well.

However, he warned against being in a hurry to embrace the embattled leader back into the party leadership.

“If Najib wants to become president again, or if Zahid wants to give him a role like an advisor, I don’t think that’s necessary.

“The people won’t like it, this we will have to admit and accept. The people cannot accept Rosmah (Mansor, Najib’s wife).”

He said Zahid must step up in his role as opposition leader, as more Umno grassroots members were growing impatient with the lack of leadership.

Last month, Umno Youth issued a statement asking Zahid to take a break from his duties pending the outcome of his cases.

“Zahid should be given room to prove his ability. He is facing court charges. It’s hard to manage a party in such situations,” said Noran.

“But at some point, if we continue to see no changes (in the party), not just the Youth, but Umno at the division levels, will also be pressuring him to take a break.” – November 7, 2018.