KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is felt at the Umno Youth meeting, with debaters highlighting the former party president's influence in the political landscape.
Pekan Umno Youth chief Mohd Fakhrul Akhmal Mohamed attributed Barisan Nasional and Umno's dominance at the Melaka and Johor state elections to Najib's presence.
"How can we enter our upcoming battles without one of our greatest commanders?
"We have lost ground, money and time, proven recently during the Sabah polls.
"This is a reminder that we need Najib Razak," he said when debating the Youth wing chief's policy speech on Thursday (Jan 15).
Pasir Mas Umno Youth chief Nik Ikhwan Haqim Hanafi said the atmosphere at the Umno annual general assembly would be electrifying if Najib was present.
"He is a character that has delivered so much for us. He is an idol that is accepted by all races through the 1Malaysia concept. We pray that justice will prevail," he said.
Najib is currently serving a jail sentence after he was found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving SRC International, a former 1MDB subsidiary.
On Feb 2, 2024, the Pardons Board reduced Najib's initial 12-year jail sentence and RM210mil fine to six years and a RM50mil fine. Najib will be released on Aug 23, 2028.
On Dec 26, 2025, the High Court also sentenced Najib to a total of 165 years in jail over 25 charges in the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) case.
Meanwhile, an Umno Youth delegate was jeered by the wing after shouting the slogan "Reformasi" when beginning his debates.
Reformasi is the slogan popularised by PKR president and current Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"Calm down everyone. I will retract my statement," said Muhammad Irfan Mohd Dalmi.
