Boxes labelled “Nukilan buat Najib” (Message for Najib) were placed outside the Dewan Merdeka for party leaders to leave the Pekan MP a handwritten message.

Musliati Moslimin, from Kota Kinabalu Umno, was one of the leaders who left the former party president a message.

“I pray that he will always be protected by Allah wherever he may be. Let’s hope for light at the end of the tunnel,” she told FMT, when asked what she had penned down.

She hoped Najib would remain strong in the face of challenges.

Masuri Jarkasi, from Pontian Umno told FMT that he thanked Najib for all his contributions to the party and country in his message.

“I just hope the justice system treats him fairly,” said Masuri.

Meanwhile, Sungai Besar Umno division chief Jamal Yunos told reporters the briefing today would include a demand for justice following Najib’s conviction in the SRC International trial being upheld by the Federal Court last Tuesday.

He was sent to the Kajang prison the same day to start his 12-year jail sentence.

On Wednesday, Zahid had called on party leaders to attend the special briefing at 2pm today. All division chiefs and committee members were invited.

Party secretary-general Ahmad Maslan said the purpose of the meeting was to discuss “current issues”.

On Thursday, Najib’s 1MDB trial resumed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

He is facing four charges of using his position as then prime minister to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion from 1MDB funds, and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.