NGO: Ex-PM is the victim of a ‘cruel’ govt

PUTRAJAYA: An NGO aligned to Umno has questioned the need to arrest Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and make him spend the night in a lock-up ahead of being charged in court today.

Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, president of Pemantau Malaysia Baru, said the former prime minister and former Umno president was the victim of a “cruel” government.

“Pemantau Malaysia Baru would like to question the need for the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Com­mission to arrest Datuk Seri Najib and for forcing him to spend the night in a lock-up.

“Is he a criminal who wants to run away from the legal process?” said Lokman in a statement.

Lokman, who is also an Umno supreme council member, pointed out that Najib had already given his full cooperation, adding: “Enough with this politics of revenge by Pakatan Harapan.”

Wanita Umno chief Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad said the movement was saddened by Najib’s arrest.

“As a person who has contributed much to the country, Wanita Umno urges that he be given a transparent and fair trial and be treated appropriately during his detention and prosecution,” Noraini said in a statement.

She said Wanita Umno would conduct solat hajat (special prayers) in all the party’s 191 divisions nationwide to pray for Najib’s safety and for him to receive justice.

Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he had not been informed of the matter.

Dr Ahmad Zahid was approached by the media after emerging from the MACC headquarters here, where he had been called in for questioning on the alleged use of funds belonging to a foundation of which he is the chairman.

Johor Baru Umno division chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Samad said the authorities must have a strong and clear case against Najib and not just circumstantial evidence.

“It has to be according to the law and they must have a very strong case against him,” Shahrir said when approached by the media outside the MACC headquarters.

He had been called in for questioning over claims that he received funds from Najib.