'Delegates syabas-ed me for criticising Najib'
Anina Saadudin's scathing speech accusing Umno president Najib Abdul Razak of hoodwinking party members had gone viral on social media.
Though there was applause during her speech, the Langkawi Wanita Umno delegate claimed that there were orders from the top not to clap or cheer when she spoke.
Anina Saadudin's scathing speech accusing Umno president Najib Abdul Razak of hoodwinking party members had gone viral on social media.
Though there was applause during her speech, the Langkawi Wanita Umno delegate claimed that there were orders from the top not to clap or cheer when she spoke.
"Although there is information that there were orders not to clap when I spoke, there were still those who showed support for me by clapping," she told Malaysiakini .
Anina alleged she was informed by sources that Wanita Umno leaders had been directed to caution delegates against applauding when she criticised the president during the Umno division’s annual meet last week.
"Despite the directive, delegates still clapped and I believe this a positive sign.
"They are no longer afraid and they came personally to congratulate me for airing what they felt as well," she said.
Anina, 40, said the alleged 'no applause' directive did not come as a surprise as she had been vocal against the prime minister on social media.
The division meeting had turned rowdy when Anina delivered her speech, where she had used the term "kencing" to describe Najib having "cheated" Umno members.
Defending her speech, she said the Umno division meeting is the best platform to criticise the president.
Anina also disagreed with the expectation that party members must support the president under whatever circumstances, and dismissed this as an "unhealthy practice".
She said Najib was someone who was averse to criticism because he wanted to defend his position, which is under pressure due to his "own mistakes".
Anina also pointed out that her criticism was aimed at the president and not Umno.
"Many of us still love Umno and when I speak, it is also because I also love the party.
"However, the people's trust has been affected as our leader is not transparent and there are a lot of things still hidden without proper explanation given," she said.
Related reports
M'sia's Q2 growth seen slowest in two years
Ringgit falls through RM4 to US$ barrier
M'sia's Q2 growth seen slowest in two years
Are Malaysians now currency experts?
Graft, polls rigging claims in suit against Najib
Opposition figures sue PM, 1MDB and EC
Five ways to get Najib to quit as prime minister
As ringgit weakens, 'strangely silent' Najib told to quit
Salleh: Gov't's main focus is on improving economy
'Hacktivists' attacks will jeopardise Bersih 4.0'
Stay on suspension order – Edge to know Friday
'Give Najib the same chance Mahathir got'
Despite 1MDB, business as usual in Banglasia
Disqualify Zahid brother's bid, gov’t urged
Here we go again, Jews and Christians at fault


Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.