BN takes swipe at 'opportunists' seeking to capitalise on Najib

Summary 

• BN seems to have soured on PAS’ attempt to show solidarity with Najib Abdul Razak.

• BN slams ‘opportunists’ who once insulted the ex-PM but now trying to capitalise on him for political gain.

• Coalition maintains it was still on Najib's side and thanked those organising prayers in lieu of a rally.

BN appeared to have taken a swipe at PAS today over the Islamist party’s plans to continue with a rally in solidarity with the coalition's former chairperson Najib Abdul Razak.

Without naming PAS, BN's headquarters in a statement today, denounced “opportunists” trying to capitalise on Najib.

"BN criticises opportunists who are trying to capitalise on the Najib issue.

"It is an immoral act to use Najib's suffering - who had been insulted and slandered in their political propaganda - but are now using the opportunity to build momentum to achieve their political goals," the coalition said.

The remarks are an about turn from the attitude Umno leaders had towards PAS over the rally last week before it cancelled its participation in the rally.

The rally, planned for tomorrow, coincides with the Court of Appeal hearing Najib's bid to confirm a royal addendum allowing him to serve his remaining prison sentence under house arrest.

The former premier is serving a six-year sentence at Kajang Prison following his corruption conviction in the SRC International case.

Change of tone

When PAS first announced it was joining Umno in showing solidarity with Najib last Monday, Umno leaders, including supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi, hailed the move.

BN chairperson and Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had also told DAP chairperson Lim Guan Eng to butt out when the latter criticised Umno working together with PAS.

However, on Friday night, Umno decided not to proceed with the rally after Istana Negara issued a statement that reaffirmed bids for clemency must go through the Pardons Board.

PAS, however, stood firm in continuing with the rally, which it said was also to safeguard the Agong's powers in granting pardons.

Zahid warned earlier today that any Umno members who join tomorrow's rally would be doing so at their own risk.

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The BN headquarters, in its statement, stressed that the coalition maintained the legal process that Najib is facing must be transparent.

It also thanked all those who were organising prayers in support of Najib in lieu of the rally.

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