FORMER Umno president Najib Razak has affirmed that he will continue to help the party to get back on its feet after its huge election defeat, despite not holding any position.

Najib said after the party’s loss in the 14th general election, he had taken the responsibility of the defeat, including resigning as the party president, and also vowed not to contest in the party internal poll.

He explained that he did not want the party to be associated with his court cases and 42 charges of alleged corruption and money laundering.

“I will continue to help with what I can in any capacity. I resigned when we lost because I wanted to be responsible for the defeat.

“I do not want my personal issues to be associated with Umno. Let me deal with the court and I hope the truth will prevail,” said the Umno Pekan division chief.

Although he no longer holds any position in Umno, Barisan Nasional had decided to appoint Najib as the chairman of its advisory board starting July 9.

The 42 charges faced by Najib include four charges under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Act and 21 charges of money laundering involving the 1Malaysia Development funds amounting to RM2.28 billion.

Umno’s account has been frozen by MACC since June 2018.

Speaking further, Najib said the monies and properties seized by the authorities have nothing to do with 1MDB as they belonged to the party.

“When election was coming, we needed money. I had to look for money to be given to each division. That was my job as president. That is Umno’s money.

“The money was donated. Every political party received donation. Which Umno president didn’t get funding? Dr Mahathir Mohamad himself admitted that he gave Pak Lah RM1.4 billion,” he said.

He said MACC had to forfeit Umno’s assets because they could not link the money to 1MDB.  

“There was no proof even after a year investigating. They should return the money. If they have proof, they would have charged us at court. The attorney-general can’t charge us because there was no evidence.

“The government of the day is a cruel one and we must fight them. Do not be afraid of getting sued. We are on the right side,” he said. – July 27, 2019.