You enjoyed the benefits, now stay loyal, Najib tells Umno members

Shortly after being released on bail today for alleged money-laundering, former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak called for all party members to remain steadfast.

Referring to mounting pressure on Umno members over police and MACC probes into RM2.6 billion that he received when in power, Najib said party members should show their loyalty to Umno during "these trying times".

"From how I see it, all parties should not be worried over this issue. Because whatever it is, we must stand strong on our principles.

"If all this while we have been with BN, I hope all (members) will stay loyal to BN. InsyaAllah, we will fight to the end and pray to Allah and Allah will show the truth to those who are on the righteous path," he said during a press conference outside the courtroom.

Najib spoke to reporters outside the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court after he was released on a RM3.5 million bail. He had been slapped with 25 charges for alleged abuse of power to receive gratification and for the laundering of the RM2.6 billion he received in his account during his time as prime minister.

Najib touched on the loyalty of Umno members after journalists asked for his comments on Umno leaders and MPs being hauled up for questioning over the 1MDB scandal and whether more party leaders would quit the party.

The question came following the recent resignations of Umno supreme council member Mustapa Mohamed and Sabah Umno leader Anifah Aman over the past 48 hours.

Najib said that Umno members must stay true to their struggle and face all challenges.

"Because the party needs our loyalty.

"If before this we had gotten all sorts of benefits from the party, the time has come when the party needs us. It needs our contribution, our commitment," he said. - Mkini