Fear of Umno’s leadership as well as the culture of brown-nosing are among the reasons why the movement to remove Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has failed, said a grassroots leader.

Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia (GKCM) chief Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman claims this is the reason why the Umno leadership is able to resist threats, despite many realising the existence of such a culture within Umno.

“Two weeks ago I was interviewed by a media outlet from Singapore, who asked me why is it so hard to ask Najib to take a step back and resign.

“I replied that it is because division leaders are scared, and the Malays are always proud of their eastern values.

“If we study the Malay history and literature, we will find that the most obvious thing in them is the culture of brown-nosing, and we can’t run away from that.

“So we want to tell Umno leaders, enough is enough (with the brown-nosing),” he said.

‘Najib popular for wrong reasons’

Kamarul was speaking at a programme titled ' Mencari Kebenaran, Selamatkan Malaysia ' (Finding the Truth, Save Malaysia) in Puchong last night.

Meanwhile, the former Telok Kemang Umno branch leader said Najib’s popularity is currently measured by the various allegations surrounding him.

Branding it as ‘embarrassing’, citing the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) controversy widely reported in the international media, Kamarul said calls for Najib to resign is a very relevant move.

“Is Najib today popular? He’s popular for the wrong reasons,” he said.

Also present at the event last night were former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former minister Shafie Apdal.

Both were sacked from their cabinet posts last year for their criticisms against Najib's leadership.

‘Clown Najib’ makes it to Australia’s Gold Coast theme parks

Noose appears to be tightening on Najib

The men who sold 1MDB on a fake Aabar

Swiss AG puts Apandi to shame

‘1MDB, please spare us the mock surprise’