Najib: I'm patient, but beware if you cross the line

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak may be praised by many for his “patience”, a virtue which he himself admits to possess.

But underneath all the supposed composure and tolerance, Najib admits that he has his limits too, and will act if he is pushed too far.

Speaking at an event commemorating his 40 years involvement in politics, Najib explained that his ability to continue his work in politics may be due to his patience.

“But I want to say, I am patient, but I have my limits, too.

“Don't think that you can do as you like. Don't think that I won't take action when you cross the line," he warned.

Though Najib clarified that when he does take action, "it will be based on facts, the party and the government”.

While he did not name names, he is clearly referring to his critics within Umno.

Use proper channels to complain

After increased criticism against Najib’s handling of the 1MDB crisis, former deputy prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin and former minister Mohd Shafie Apdal were sacked from their respective posts last year.

While former Kedah MB Mukhriz Mahathir was also removed from his post as Menteri Besar and state liaison chief because of similar criticism of Najib.

Umno rebel group Gabungan Ketua Cawangan Umno Malaysia (GKCM), on the other hand, is awaiting disciplinary action from the party due to its defiance against Najib.

Meanwhile, Najib said there is "a way and a proper place" to reprimand.

“Don't reprimand to destroy the party. And it's enough that we already have enemies on the outside.

“We shouldn't have enemies underneath our blankets, and have enemies in our pants, that's even worse," he said.

I never toppled anyone

He also pointed out how he had never tried to “topple” anyone during party elections.

“When there is vacancy, only then will I offer myself to contest."

Though Najib only became Umno president and PM after he led the putsch which displaced his predecessor Abdullah Badawi from both posts.

He also claimed that he has never “bought” votes to obtain the support of party members. Though incidentally he had previously admitted that the RM2.6 billion in purported donations what went into his personal bank accounts ended up being used for the benefit of the party during the last national polls.

“If you don't believe me, you can ask (deputy prime minister) Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, he was my political secretary in 1986," said Najib.

Citing the party elections in 1993, Najib said there were those from Team Wawasan who tried to do so and are instead today trying to show a “high moral ground”.

“I was told by the late Jamaluddin Jarjis about what was happening.

“But my answer was; my father built Umno, I don't want to be the son who destroys the party,” he said.

Team Wawasan was headed by former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim who won the deputy presidency unopposed.

The team also consisted of Najib, Muhyiddin, and former Selangor menteri besar Muhammad Muhammad Taib. The trio went on to win the posts of party vice presidents. -Mkini