PUTRAJAYA: The Prime Minister’s acceptance of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s apology over the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal reflects strong leadership, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said a good leader must accept the apology of anyone, when asked how he viewed Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s statement on accepting Najib’s apology “in good faith”.
“Umno stands by the statement of its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki that Najib had been misled by someone or a group of people over 1MDB.
“This should be taken into account and one should not presume by giving their own opinions as the apology was made after the accounts of witnesses during the trial,” said Ahmad Zahid after attending the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Madani Gig Economy Convention here yesterday.
In a statement on Oct 25, Umno emphasised that Najib was misled by irresponsible parties seeking personal gain, and that his apology to Malaysians signifies his noble character and unwavering love for the nation.
“Umno and its members hope for justice and the exposure of the true masterminds behind the SRC and 1MDB cases,” the party stated.On Sunday, Anwar noted that some parties were not pleased with his comment that the apology was “terima baik” (well received).
“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?
“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?” Anwar remarked.
In his apology, Najib expressed deep regret for the scandal that happened during his tenure as prime minister.
Najib expressed shock at the extent of the “wretched shenanigans” and claimed he had been misled and misunderstood the funds for political donations.
Najib, facing numerous charges, awaits a court decision on Oct 30 regarding his defence.
