HAPPY BIRTHDAY NAJIB: ENJOY WHILE YOU STILL CAN…

Nine birthday candles on a blue background

KUALA LUMPUR – Former prime minister Najib Razak celebrated his 65th birthday today with a group of close friends and supporters, more than two months after going through a fall from power, police raids and criminal charges.

Najib, who turns 65 on Monday, welcomed some 100 relatives, friends and supporters at his home in Jalan Langgak Duta here, the scene of highly publicised police raids which led to the seizure of cash and luxury items.

“You attended the function not because I am in the government but because you still believe in me,” he said in his speech.

There were five different birthday cakes for him. One of them had a figurine of the former leader on top of a cake resembling a golf bag.

Najib Razak speaks to guests at his birthday party.

Also present was his mother Rahah Mohammad Noah, as well as family members of victims of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 which was shot down mid-air four years ago killing all 298 aboard.

In his speech, he briefly touched on his efforts to ensure the bodies of 43 Malaysians who died in the tragedy were released by rebel leaders in Ukraine, after they cordoned off the crash site.

“I played my part as the leader of the government,” he said.

Earlier, guests held thanksgiving prayers in the surau section of the bungalow.

Thanking them, Najib said the birthday function was made possible by his guests’ contribution.

“I appreciate this kind gesture, to celebrate this special occasion using your own money to attend, and contributing to this function,” he said.

– FMT