Heartbroken: Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor waving at the crowds while leaving the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: As the rain poured, hundreds of Datuk Seri Najib Razak supporters outside the Palace of Justice were wet – and downcast – as word got out that he had failed in his appeal and was being sent to prison.
“Numb,” a group of loyal supporters said when asked to describe their feeling after the verdict was announced.
A woman said the decision had been expected but it became more surreal when it was announced, hence the feeling of numbness.
Masjid Tanah Umno branch member Azrin Amer said the court’s decision saddened him.
“Malaysians are indebted to him for his good deeds during his administration,” he said.
“Seeing the former PM being sentenced to jail is heartbreaking,” he added.
Busloads of Najib supporters had travelled across Peninsular Malaysia to be at the court early yesterday morning to show support and solidarity for their hero, whom they fondly address as “Bossku”.
Most were from Pekan – Najib’s hometown – and many of them had left Pahang at midnight to be in Putrajaya by the morning.
Although drenched in the rain, they made their presence felt by chanting and shouting slogans outside the building where Najib’s appeal was being heard.
“Hidup Bossku!” and “Allahuakbar!” they cried.
Due to strict security protocol, members of the public were not allowed inside the court complex area, so the supporters had to stay outdoors in the dreadful weather.
“My group involved four buses and we left Pekan at about midnight. We wanted to reach the court complex early so we could catch a glimpse of Najib when he arrived,” said Wanita Umno member Hasnah Ahmad, 58.
Another Wanita Umno member, Amnah Habi Mat Pian, 60, said Najib and his father – former prime minister Tun Razak Hussein – had taken good care of the Felda community.
“We are from Felda Chini and we fully support our Bossku.
“He has done so much for us and we hope he gets justice.
“If he goes to prison, it will be a sad day for us, but we will accept it as fate,” she said, before leading her group to a short doa (prayer) session.
Some supporters said they came to court voluntarily and were not ferried by their party.
Food delivery rider Loga, 29, said he decided to skip work yesterday to show his support for Najib as he felt the former prime minister had done much for the country.
Hema, 26, who also took leave from work, also said Najib was a good prime minister.
When Najib arrived around 9am, he was given a hero’s welcome by his supporters.
When the verdict was made known, the mood was sombre – and as dark as the clouds above.
