“I would like to say thank you for the trust but I do not have any intention or desire to become a de facto leader,” Najib said.
“As I’ve said before, my current priority is to clear my name on several legal charges that I’m facing; voicing out the interests of the people; highlighting the people’s woes and explaining issues that affect the people and the country,” he said on Facebook.
Earlier today, Umno’s Lokman Noor Adam proposed that Najib, who resigned as president in the wake of the May election defeat, be appointed as de facto leader.
This comes after Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced he was handing over his presidential duties to his deputy, Mohamad Hasan, just six months after winning the top post.
Both Najib and Zahid are facing multiple charges of corruption, money laundering and criminal breach of trust.
In the same posting, Najib also stated he was ready to provide full assistance and support to Mohamad and other Umno leaders.
He expressed full confidence in Mohamad leading the party.
He also applauded Zahid’s decision, saying it was a “noble action in prioritising the party above his self-interest”.
“As the president, elected through the democratic process by the party, this is a huge personal sacrifice and is not an easy thing for him to do.”