KUALA LUMPUR: Sad and disappointed.
This is how Datuk Seri Najib Razak described the exodus of Umno leaders while appealing to party members to remain calm and avoid from making hasty decision over their political future.
“I am sad to see my fellow comrades losing their spirit and leave Umno.
“Amongst them (who quit the party) are leaders, who myself together with party grassroots, have helped in their political career because we believed they would continue to lead the party regardless of the situation.
“Of course, I am disappointed. Having that said, what much can we do if the struggles of Umno are no longer in their minds and heart,” the former Umno president said in a statement, which was posted on his official Facebook account today.
Najib also defended his successor Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who has been urged to relinquish his post admits the departure of several Umno leaders from the party.
“It is unfair to the present Umno leadership for everything. Umno does not practise dictatorship and the party encourage members to express their views to rebuild Umno.”
He admitted that Umno is facing a challenging time ahead as opposition to the Pakatan Harapan government since the former only left with its “clothes on its back and a fiery fighting spirit”.
“Umno is undergoing a whitening process and God willing, the party will rise again.”