Federal Territories Bersatu secretary Mahathir Rais said Najib’s conviction and 12-year sentence in the SRC International case had been a milestone for Malaysia, and described the rally in solidarity with the former leader as disheartening.
Mahathir, who is also Federal Territories PN secretary, said PN leaders had spent years campaigning against corruption and wooing the people’s support based on that struggle.
“Leaders who once branded his administration as kleptocratic and corrupt are now calling for leniency and framing him as a victim of injustice. This about-turn reeks of political opportunism, exposing a willingness to sacrifice principles for political gain.
“This rally is emblematic of a larger issue within Malaysian politics – leaders on both sides appear more focused on preserving their influence than addressing the rakyat’s concerns.
“The rakyat are left as mere spectators in a political theatre where the powerful protect each other, regardless of which side they belong to,” he said in a statement.
Mahathir also said that many young Malaysians now felt disillusioned with politics, having participated in rallies and protests against corruption.
He added that a new breed of young leaders needed to “take charge” and lead Malaysia into a future rid of moral failings, corruption, and abuse of power.
“The rakyat deserve better. They deserve leaders who prioritise fairness, integrity, and the collective well-being of the nation over personal or political agendas.
“Those who have betrayed the nation’s trust – regardless of their status or legacy – must be held accountable for their actions,” he said.
Bersatu information chief Tun Faisal Ismail Aziz had said that party leaders and members were free to join the rally in support of Najib outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on Jan 6. Tun Faisal said this was in the spirit of “national reconciliation”.
Najib’s son Nazifuddin previously said more than 200 busloads of Najib supporters would attend the rally in support of the former prime minister. He added that the rally would see members of PAS, Umno, and Bersatu coming together to fight for Najib’s freedom.
Yesterday, Pakatan Harapan component Amanah said its members were also free to join the rally and that the party and coalition’s top leadership had yet to issue a directive on the gathering.
The rally is being held on the day the Court of Appeal will hear Najib’s application for leave to adduce fresh evidence in his appeal to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest, which he claims was issued in a supplementary order to the Pardons Board’s Feb 2 announcement.