Najib: I'll make a decision on Umno, BN posts during break

Najib Abdul Razak says he will review his position as Umno president and BN chairperson during his overseas break that was scheduled to start today.

“During this period, I will make a decision regarding my position as Umno president and BN chairperson, taking into account BN’s decline in popular support during the 14th general election.

“I note the various views of various party leaders and members at all levels regarding my position. As Umno president and BN chairperson, I take full responsibility over the outcome of GE14.

“Any decision I make would ensure that Umno and BN as the party with the most seats in Parliament would remain strong and continue to perform its responsibilities to the people. When I return to the country next week, I will announce my decision and the plans for my future,” he said in a Facebook post.

The post was made at about 11.29am, just minutes after the Immigration Department confirmed that Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor are on a travel blacklist and would be prohibited from leaving the country.

In a separate posting at 11.58am, Najib said he would respect the Immigration Department’s directive, and would spend time with his family in Malaysia, instead of the overseas family holiday originally planned.

Najib’s announcement came amid calls from within BN for Najib to resign, particularly from the Umno youth wing.

Wednesday's election was Umno and BN’s worst ever outing, which saw BN (and its precursor the Alliance) defeated for the first time since independence.

Previously, a flight itinerary purported to be that of Najib and Rosmah had leaked and circulated online.

Early this morning, Najib said that he needed a break after an intense election campaign.

“After over four decades in politics and the recent election campaign, which was regrettably personal and perhaps the most intense in Malaysian history, I will take a short break to spend time with my family whom I have not seen enough of in recent years,” he posted on Facebook at 7.23am.

According to the leaked itinerary, he and Rosmah Mansor were scheduled to depart for Jakarta at 10am today.

The news caused a crowd of about 60 and the media to descend on Subang Airport this morning, until Petaling Jaya OCPD Mohd Zani Che Din confirmed that there was no such flight.

In his Facebook message today, Najib did not elaborate on the duration of the trip nor his plans upon his presumed return.

The trip just days after BN's humiliating defeat comes in the face of increasing government spotlight on the 1MDB scandal, as well as growing discontent from within Umno over his leadership.

Mea culpa

In his Facebook posting, Najib was also conciliatory and apologised to the people for any “shortcomings” of his two-term administration.

“My BN colleagues and I are committed to respecting the will of the people and facilitating a smooth transfer of power.

“The best interests of Malaysia and its people will always be my first priority, and I intend to continue serving them in whatever capacity I can," he wrote.

“I pray that after this divisive period, the country will unite. I apologise for any shortcomings and mistakes, and I thank you, the people, for the opportunity to lead our great nation.

“It has been the honour of my lifetime to serve you and Malaysia,” he added. -Mkini