LIKE brothers, Prime Minister Najib Razak praised his predecessor Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for his undying loyalty to Umno and the BN government.

Announcing a RM5 million fund for the Tun Abdullah Badawi Legacy Organisation, Najib said Abdullah was a great national icon.

“I appreciate Pak Lah’s loyalty all this while. Even after all that had happened, he continued to give his support, standing by me, the government, Umno and BN.

“He never betrayed the party, let alone leave this beloved party,” he said.

Najib then said he did not come empty handed.

“I am announcing a RM5 million fund for Pak Lah’s legacy.

“The money will be given this year. If we have funds next year, we will give more,” he said in his speech at the opening of the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Lecture in Putrajaya. 

Najib also expressed his gratitude to Abdullah for voluntarily ceding the post of Umno president to himself, paving the way to Putrajaya.

“Pak Lah is a true friend as he is loyal and willing to be with me and the government through thick and thin until now.

“Even more touching is how much Pak Lah loves the party and the country as a noble leader, who is willing to give up the highest leadership post in Umno along with the Prime Minister position to me with the utmost grace and nobility.

“Thank you, Pak Lah. May Allah repay your kindness.,” Najib said.

The Pekan MP added that he will not forget Abdullah’s contributions to the country and will continue to guide Malaysia to become a developed nation.

Abdullah Badawi decided to not defend his position as Umno president during party elections after the 12th general election in 2008 and ceded the Prime Minister position to Najib, who was then his deputy in March 2009. – May 25, 2017.