UMNO AGM In his opening speech at the Umno annual general assembly, party president Najib Abdul Razak recited a prayer seeking divine intervention against traitors and vowed to fight to the death.

"God, do not let this country, and the fate of this race (Malays) fall into the hands of traitors and the wicked," he prayed.

He also prayed for Allah to save and grant peace to Umno, the Malays and all Malaysians.

Cupping his hands in supplication, Najib said: "Oh great God, we promise to fight to the death until we have spilled our last drop of blood."

The prime minister has been under protracted attack from the opposition and his former mentor Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who have accused him of corruption and demanded his resignation.

Choosing not to retaliate in the same manner of his critics, who not only target him, but his family as well, Najib said he preferred to adhere to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad instead, which emphasised on the need to be patient even with foes.

"Basically, like what the foreigners say, we must be above them and not bring ourselves down to their level," he added.

What is more important, he said, was to tell the truth.

Najib cited how Prophet Muhammad was hurled with insults and driven out from the community by the people of Ta'if until his blood was shed due to being pelted with stones.

He said the angel Gabriel had then asked for the Prophet’s permission to destroy the people of Ta'if but the Prophet chose to remain patient instead of responding with violence.

"As a servant of Allah and a normal human being who has feelings, I know some quarters are insulting my family and I as well as disparaging Umno and the government.

"So I think we should no longer waste our time and energy to entertain or fight traitors to the race and country," he added.