KUALA LUMPUR: Rosmah Mansor is hoping that her husband Najib Razak will be released from prison as soon as possible.
In the wake of chants from delegates at the Umno general assembly yesterday in support of the former party president, she urged Umno members to continue with the push for his release and hoped they will continue to appreciate Najib’s struggles and contribution to the nation as prime minister.
“I hope my husband is brought out as soon as possible. I can now feel party members appreciating my husband’s struggles,” she told reporters in a rare appearance.
Rosmah said her husband constantly thinks about the people’s well-being despite not being able to meet them.
“Of course, I feel sad that he can’t be with us. I recall the days when he was sitting on the stage as Umno president and talking to party members,” she said.
Chants of “Bebas Bossku” and “Hidup Bossku” echoed in the Dewan Merdeka of the World Trade Centre (WTC) here yesterday after Umno president Zahid Hamidi pledged that the party will continue to fight for Najib’s release.
Umno members were earlier seen carrying posters with the message “Justice For Najib Razak” as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was the guest of honour, entered the party headquarters.
Some grassroots members have told FMT they will not help with Umno’s campaign in the upcoming six state elections if there were no efforts made to help Najib.
In his speech, Zahid said Najib’s “spirit” remained with Umno although he was behind bars.
“We demand justice for Najib Razak,” he said to chants of “Bossku” from the delegates.
Najib is currently serving a 12-year jail sentence after he was convicted in the SRC International corruption case. His lawyers and supporters claim he was not granted a fair trial.
Najib’s daughter, Nooryana Najwa, said her father continues to be in high spirits despite being behind bars.
In her speech at the general assembly, she reminded party members not to forget the “injustices” faced by Umno leaders for refusing to collude with “those” who sought to “destroy” Umno.
“Joining the unity government does not mean that Umno’s principles can be discarded. We must defend our beliefs,” she said.