PUTRAJAYA: Supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak expressed hope that Friday’s (Dec 26) court decision would redeem their disappointment over the dismissal of his review application for house arrest earlier this week.
As early as 6.45am, about 30 supporters gathered outside the Palace of Justice here, chanting “Bebas, bebas, Bossku” (free, free Bossku) and holding banners bearing Najib’s image and the words "Demi Najib" (for Najib).
Retired civil servant Alias Samat, 60, from Kuala Selangor, said today’s decision was highly anticipated, as supporters were still disappointed with the High Court’s rejection of Najib’s review application by Justice Alice Loke on Monday (Dec 22).
“We hope today’s decision will redeem the disappointment over the ruling on Dec 22. In our view, Datuk Seri Najib has contributed a lot to the people, especially in education and assistance for villagers," he said when met at the court premises.
A similar sentiment was shared by staunch supporter Raidah Rashid, 65, better known as Kak Roy, who described today as the culmination of a seven-year wait.
"Our prayers were especially fervent on Thursday night, as we supplicated to God for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to be freed and for his case to be dropped today," she said.
Raidah said she and her friends from the Friends of Najib movement hoped their seven-year wait would not be in vain and that Najib would be able to make a comeback.
Today, the Kuala Lumpur High Court is expected to decide whether Najib will be acquitted or convicted of four corruption charges and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.3bil in 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) funds.
The decision is being delivered at the Palace of Justice by Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who is now a Federal Court judge.
