UMNO president Najib Razak laid into certain “national leaders” and nationalists who dared to oppose the party, which had been championing both Malays and Malaysians.

“Unexpectedly, there were former leaders and nationalists whom we used to idolise who dared to fight against Umno and BN

“He dared to get chummy and kiss Umno’s enemies on the lips, those whom he used to oppose just because of his personal agenda.

“Who have been teaching us for many years and to instill hatred towards the chauvinist DAP, the party that is also anti-Islam,” said Najib during his speech at the party’s 71st anniversary celebration in Bukit Jalil Stadium.

Najib did not name names but was likely referring to former prime minister and former Umno president Dr Mahathir Mohamad, and his allies.

The prime minister then praised his predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“This is how a former president should act towards the party that he once lead,” said Najib.

Dr Mahathir left Umno last year, claiming that Najib and the Umno leadership did not do the right thing and solve the 1MDB controversy.

He formed Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) along with former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his son, Mukhriz Mahathir, who was former Umno Supreme Council member and Kedah Mentri Besar.

Dr Mahathir then went on to forge an alliance with the opposition, once his archrivals, with the common goal of toppling Najib and Umno in the next general election.

Umno members arrived in droves from all over the country to join the party’s 71st anniversary celebration, painting the stadium in a sea of red as members waved their flags and took selfies with fellow members.

This is the first time the event is held at the stadium, which had undergone a major facelift in preparation for the 29th Southeast Asia Games.

Najib was accompanied by his wife, Rosmah Mansor. – May 11, 2017.