FORMER prime minister Najib Razak might be facing dozens of corruption charges but allegations that he embezzled millions of ringgit have done nothing to dent his popularity among Felda settlers in Sg Koyan, Cameron Highlands.

“He has only been charged with corruption. It’s not the same as murder or sodomy,” said Mohd Fadzil Suparman, a local Umno leader in Koyan 2.

Fadzil said it was “normal” for leaders to have a large amount of funds as they needed to care for their followers.

“Any normal leader would need to make extra money to ensure things run smoothly,” said the 49-year-old.

The second-generation settler said this was Umno’s culture and has long existed in the party, adding that it was even condoned by former president and current Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

More importantly, he said, in spite of all the criticism levelled against Najib, Felda settlers fared better during his administration.

“Oil palm prices were higher and there were always bonuses,” said Fadzil after his third cigarette at the roadside stall along Jalan Tersang-Sg Koyan.

Najib is expected to visit the Felda area in Jelai this week and campaign for Barisan Nasional in the Cameron Highlands by-election. The visit, it appears, does not have the blessings of Umno headquarters as yet.

Since being charged with 39 counts of corruption and abuse of power, the Pekan MP has been on a media blitz, commenting on issues plaguing the Pakatan Harapan government. He has also been going around holding talks and visiting grassroots supporters.

Another Koyan resident, Kama Norrizzat Che Ibrahim, said most people here still back Najib.

“People say the new government leaders (from Amanah and Bersatu) pray all the time. But it doesn’t help us here as we have more economic issues since the new government took over,” said the 37-year-old Felda worker.

“Najib gave out BR1M and to us that’s not rasuah (bribe) as we should get it,” he added.

Retired soldier Wahab Mansor said people here still remember Najib’s “good points”.

“The oil palm prices bounced back when he took over in 2009 and he always gave bonuses to Felda settlers,” said the 85-year-old.

“It’s true that he had personal weaknesses and the government is broken but it’s not the party’s fault,” said Wahab, referring to Felda’s troubles.

A visiting civil servant, who only wanted to be known as Ismail, said the people here are blind to the mistakes and corruption in BN.

“They don’t want to believe what they see. Their eyes and ears are shut to the corruption. They only believe in kapal layar (sailboat),” said the former Agriculture Ministry officer from Kuala Medang.

Alliance (Perikatan), the precursor to BN, used the kapal layar as its logo before switching to the scales of BN.

Back at the Koyan 2 stall, a woman waved to Fadzil as she was leaving. The stall owner said the woman, who is the wife of Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail’s private secretary, paid for all the patrons’ drinks and food.

“This is what a leader is for,” said Fadzil. – January 16, 2019.