Tears flow as love for Najib remains strong in Pekan

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak made his first visit to his constituency of Pekan since the general election concluded, which saw BN's defeat after 61 years in power.

But despite Najib's current predicamen – with raids launched on both his private and former official residences as well as condominium units linked to him – the support of locals here for Najib who has been their MP for 42 years seems unwavering.

As Najib arrived at his residence in Pekan this afternoon, his supporters clamoured to either shake or kiss his hand. Several women supporters were even heard sniffling and holding back tears.

When Najib came out from the house an hour later to stir and pour bubur lambuk (porridge) with the womenfolk, many excitedly took the opportunity to take selfies or photographs with him.

Some of those Malaysiakini spoke to insisted that they were still loyal to Najib, Umno and BN.

Pekan Umno division committee member Melati Ali, 65, said she will continue to remain loyal to Najib.

"He's our MP and I've been an Umno member since I was 18.

"Despite only winning three states, we will not turn our backs and will continue to defend Umno so that one day Umno can make its comeback," she said.

Melati (photo) also expressed her sadness over what that has occurred.

"I did not expect this to happen because when it comes to work, he has worked really hard and it's not something that he has been doing in a year but for years before this."

Melati, meanwhile, expressed disagreement with the way Najib has been treated thus far, citing how even a Black Maria truck – often used to transport detainees – was seen at Najib's private residence during a pre-dawn raid.

"Black Marias are only for criminals. He's not aggressive.

"I think there are better ways to go about this, what more this is the fasting month," she added.

Like the other locals here, Rohana Ali (photo) said she was both excited and sad to welcome Najib's return to the constituency today.

"I'm sad over what he is facing now. We feel it, too, because we are used to being with him.

"He has done so much for the people of Pekan. We think he administered the country well, now we feel sad thinking about our children's future," said the Pekan Umno division committee member.

Locals, she claimed, were feeling the pinch now, with local projects having been purportedly discontinued.

"But whatever it is, even though BN was defeated, we will still be with Umno, we will not opt for other options," added the 56-year-old.

Najib is here in Pekan to officiate the meetings of several party divisions in the constituency.

His residence in Taman Duta has been closely guarded by the police in the past few days following the raids.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said he expected Najib to be prosecuted following probes into claims that he had laundered hundreds of millions of dollars from 1MDB. -Mkini