KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, the daughter of Umno President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, was moved to tears today as she reflected on the fate of the party's former leader, Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
During her debate on the presidential policy speech at the 2024 Umno General Assembly, Nurulhidayah said the aura and presence of Najib, better known as Bossku, are still felt in the Dewan Merdeka.
"The dedication of Bossku Najib has led the country to a point of excellence through various transformations for the well-being of the people and all Umno members.
"I support the delegates' proposal for the top leadership to uphold justice for Bossku without fail and never give up their efforts for a leader who has been with us through thick and thin.
"We indeed miss his era and long for his 'touch'. May there be hope for Bossku," she said.
At the same time, addressing Umno's leadership, Nurulhidayah added that despite the years since Najib stepped down as the party's president, Umno leadership is still being blamed from both outside and within the party.
This includes her father, who has been relentlessly attacked, insulted and called names despite painstaking efforts to defend Umno and ensure the party remains relevant.
"There are still ongoing incidents of Umno leadership being blamed, especially the president (Zahid) who is often attacked.
"He has been insulted, cursed and labelled with the intent to undermine the character of the Umno president.
"Witnessing the exhaustion, pain and everything Zahid endures to keep Umno a relevant political party serves as a boost for the new generation within the party."