Judgment day: Najib arriving at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PUTRAJAYA: They arrived eagerly in the morning, some as early as 6.45am, hoping to see Datuk Seri Najib Razak being freed of his charges.
The vocal supporters gathered outside the Palace of Justice, many wearing shirts that said “Team Najib”, shouting “Bebas Najib” (Free Najib), “1Malaysia” and Bossku”.
However, around 4pm, after the first guilty verdict was announced, the mood changed to sombre. Just then, the skies turned dark, with loud thunder.
Slowly, many started to head home in disappointment. A handful, fewer than a dozen, hung around until late evening, their faces as dark as the clouds above.
Many expressed deep disappointment over the court’s decision, but said they would never give up supporting him.
A Pekan Umno division representative Nordiah Abdullah said supporters were left “speechless” by the decision.
“We were hoping it would be different, that he would be free. We are very sad and disappointed. There is really nothing more to say,” she said.
Retiree Khaidir Aziz, 67, said that while the outcome was disheartening, he believes Najib should no longer be burdened with prolonged legal proceedings, citing his age and the toll of repeated appeals.
“If he has already been found guilty, then I don’t see any need to continue with appeals as it only prolongs the suffering. Just consider his age,” he said, adding that the supporters would not lose hope.
“Our hope now rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
Despite the disappointment, Khaidir stressed that they respected the court’s ruling.
Those who were still there late yesterday also denied allegations that they were paid to be there.
Mohammad Rafie, 42, from Sabah, said they were long-time supporters motivated by Najib’s past leadership.
“We were not paid. People came from various states because we remember his contributions. These are loyal supporters,” he said.
Vellasamy, 58, from Sepang, said he had borne his own costs, including food and fuel.
“Please stop saying we were paid. Whatever the outcome, we respect the Constitution and will accept the court’s decision with an open heart,” he said.
