PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s acceptance of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s apology over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal showcases his strong leadership, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid commented on Anwar’s statement, highlighting the Prime Minister's willingness to "accept Najib’s 1MDB apology in good faith."
"A true leader should accept apologies from anyone. Umno supports its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s statement on Oct 25 that Najib was misled by an individual or a group over 1MDB," said Ahmad Zahid.
He emphasised that this context should be considered before forming opinions as Najib’s apology followed witness testimonies during the trial.
Ahmad Zahid made these remarks to the media after the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Madani Gig Economy Convention on Monday (Oct 28), organised by Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia and the Workers' Unions and Gig Economy Secretariat.
In a statement on Oct 25, Umno stressed that Najib was misled by individuals seeking personal gain, asserting that his apology to Malaysians reflects his noble character and deep love for the nation.
"Umno and its members seek justice and the revelation of the real masterminds behind the SRC and 1MDB cases," the party stated.
On Sunday (Oct 27), Anwar affirmed that he accepted Najib’s apology regarding the 1MDB scandal in good faith.
However, he noted some parties did not react positively to his "terima baik" (well received) comment.
"I am the Prime Minister, I am the 'bapa negara' (father of the nation). When someone offers their apology, what do you want me to do?" he questioned.
He added, "So I said that the apology is well received but then we have certain people saying they cannot accept it. What sort of behaviour is this?"
At the Kuala Lumpur court complex on Oct 24, Najib expressed deep regret for the corruption incident during his tenure as prime minister.
He showed shock at the scale of the "wretched shenanigans" and claimed he was misled and misunderstood the funds as political donations. Facing multiple charges, Najib awaits a court decision on Oct 30 regarding his defence.
