Ku Li says Najib's appointment could be useful for BN

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno Council of Advisors chairman Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah has expressed support for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's appointment as the chairman of the Barisan Nasional Advisory Board.

Popularly known as "Ku Li", the Gua Musang MP said he was surprised by Najib's appointment, as he wasn't informed regarding the matter earlier.

"But, I suppose this is good. He is an active member of Umno and he has a lot of experience as the former leader of Barisan and Umno.

"I think we can get some of his practical experiences to pass on to us in the light of the problems we face today."

Tengku Razaleigh also disagreed that Najib would be a liability given that he is facing multiple graft charges.

"Because everyone can give their opinion. We'll see if he is a liability. To us, all views and advice are valuable and we will try our best to use it for the party," he said.

Asked to respond to criticism by Umno stalwarts Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz and Khairy Jamaluddin towards Najib's appointment, Tengku Razaleigh said it is a test for Umno.

"Maybe we are going to be tested on what advice we should accept," he added.

The Umno veteran said that other parties also have problematic lawmakers, without elaborating further.

"It doesn't only happen to Umno. Other parties also have problems," he added.

However, Tengku Razaleigh does not dismiss that Najib's appointment meant that party warlords are emerging in Umno.

"Maybe. I think this is just a passing phase and maybe this is a test for us all. After all, Umno doesn't belong to its members alone, but the whole community.

"Leaders come and go," he added.

Najib, who stepped down as Umno president after Barisan was defeated in the 14th General Election, was appointed as the chairman of Barisan's advisory board on Tuesday (July 9).

Nazri described Najib's appointment as a regressive move, while Khairy merely said: "Suddenly, I'm not happy where I am".

Najib is now facing trial for allegedly misappropriating RM42mil in funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.