He told a gathering of friends and supporters about the three principles that he had held through his political career but also asserted – after having endured more than a year of a campaign to oust him as party leader and prime minister – that there was a limit to his patience.

He noted that his political aides had characterised him as being patient and said:

“Yes, I have a lot of forbearance, I agree. But patience has a limit as well. Do not assume that if I am quiet, you can do what you like; if it goes over the limit, I will act, but it must be based on facts and the best interests of the government.”

Speaking at a Majlis Kesyukaran thanksgiving and celebration held here on Saturday night, he spoke about the three principles which kept him going in politics:

• to have more friends than foes;
• not attempt to unseat anybody in politics; and
•  never buy any votes in the party.

Of his first principle, he took note of the presence of members of the N87 Friends Club, which organised the celebration. “They have always been with me through the good times, and difficult times as well,” he said. N87 Friends Club comprises those who were Umno Youth division leaders when Najib was head of the Youth wing.

Of the second principle, he said: “My record is in any contest, I will only contest if (the seat) is vacant; with this (principle), I will never unseat anyone,” he said.

Of the third principle, never to buy any votes, he said: “It was my late father who built Umno, and I will not be the son who destroys this party,” he said.

More than 2,000 guests were present for the thanksgiving and anniversary celebrations, they recited the Tahlil and Surah Yassin, along with the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

The ceremony was followed by dinner and speeches by N87 chairman Suleiman Mohamed and former Umno Youth leader Khalid Yunus, who narrated their experiences with Najib.

Others present included Umno vice president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Wanita Umno head Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, Umno secretary-general Tengku Adnan Mansor and Umno information head Annuar Musa.

Tengku Adnan praised Najib’s calmness and forbearance in times of crises and said Najib always remained calm, and would solve each problem with moderation.

“It is very difficult for him to get angry, and if there is any problems being faced (by us), he will advise us,” he said.

Annuar said Najib’s honesty, sincerity and patience was highly respected by the people, and his colleagues alike. “He is a person who is patient, and will not rush to make a decision while faced with an issue,” he said.

-BERNAMA