Malay support for Umno won't recover as long as Najib denied justice: Puad

Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi has joined the chorus of coalition government leaders speaking up following its chastening defeat in the Sungai Bakap election.

He linked the erosion of support among Malay voters to the fate of jailed former premier Najib Abdul Razak.

"For Umno members and Najib's sympathisers, as long as he is denied his rights and fair trial, they will hesitate. Malay support will not recover," Puad (above) said on Facebook.

On July 3, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Najib’s bid for leave to proceed with his judicial review to be allowed to serve the remainder of his jail sentence under house arrest.

Serving time at the Kajang Prison over the RM42 million SRC International corruption case, Najib filed the judicial review leave application after the Pardons Board reduced his initial jail term of 12 years and RM210 million fine to six years imprisonment and RM50 million fine.

Don’t ignore people’s concerns

On that note, Puad urged the government to accept the loss.

"Just accept the defeat in Sungai Bakap. Don't make many excuses and formulas on why you lost. The people are not happy. The trust deficit has come again.

"Success in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election (on May 11) didn't last long. Some government decisions and actions after Kuala Kubu Baharu gave the opposition more ammunition.

"Don't quickly forget the heartland after winning in Kuala Kubu Baharu. Don't be quick to make surprises. Do not ignore the people’s concerns and drop the non-performers," the Johor state assembly speaker added.

In the by-election, Perikatan Nasional retained its hold on the Sungai Bakap state seat after its candidate, Abidin Ismail, defeated Joohari Ariffin with a majority of 4,267 votes.

The by-election was held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff who was also Nibong Tebal PAS division chief on May 24 due to stomach inflammation.

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