NAJIB Razak’s appointment as Barisan Nasional advisory board chairman has caused several Umno division leaders questioning the former prime minister’s intentions.

They want Najib to be clear if he aspires to become prime minister again or just help BN regain power.

Permatang Pauh Umno chief Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said said it was undeniable that Najib has political baggage that Pakatan Harapan used to win the last general election.

“His mistakes and weaknesses are something not everyone can forget or forgive although Najib had tried to do his best for the people.

“Personally, I feel the people will be more welcoming if he is here only to help BN face Pakatan.

“However, it would take longer for people to accept the fact that he is making political moves so that he can become the prime minister again,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Last week, BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced Najib’s appointment as the coalition’s advisory board chairman.

Several Umno leaders such as Padang Rengas MP Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz and Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin – both ministers in Najib’s cabinet before GE14 – had expressed their dissatisfaction, calling the appointment a regressive move for BN.

But Kepong Umno chief Rizuan Abd Hamid thinks Najib is an asset that BN should take advantage of to regain power.

Rizuan told The Malaysian Insight Najib was not the sole reason for BN’s defeat in GE14. He said BN and its leaders failed to address issues that PH raised.

“The scenario now has changed. Najib is an asset to BN. Just look at his ‘Bossku’ movement.

“What is wrong with us giving him a platform so that we can move effectively?,” he asked.

Najib ceded leadership of Umno to Zahid after GE14.

Since then, he has spent time meeting people on the ground, through his “Malu Apa Bossku” campaign, which sees crowds of people at his events.

In recent Umno meetings, Najib has been telling party members that a stronger Umno and the momentum of the “Bossku” movement can result in the party winning back power in the next general election.

Najib is now out on bail while his 1Malaysia Development Bhd-related criminal trials proceed. – July 13, 2019.