PH would still be in power if it had continued BN programmes, says Najib

Former PM Najib Razak says when PH took power, they rejected everything the BN government did, without studying whether what was done was good or not.

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Najib Razak says Pakatan Harapan (PH) would still be in power if it had implemented programmes introduced by Barisan Nasional (BN).

Najib said PH’s complete dismissal of efforts started by the BN government was a major mistake.

“When PH took power, they rejected everything the BN government did, without studying whether what was done was good or not. Their mindset shouldn’t be like that when becoming the government.

“They should have continued the good things done by BN and improved on them. If PH had that mindset, they might still be in power to this day,” he said during an interview today in conjunction with Umno’s 74th anniversary.

He said PH instead blamed everything on BN, as though what was achieved by the coalition when in power had generated losses for the country.

Najib also called on Umno to renew itself in order to stay relevant in the people’s eyes, particularly the younger generation, who will be a major influence as voters in the next general election.

He also spoke on Umno’s system and hierarchy which made it difficult for the party to choose suitable candidates to stand in elections.

He added that Umno was in a predicament, choosing between professionals and experienced leaders.

“If someone is a professional, he has to start as a branch member before going up to the division level, which is a tough journey. They then have to reach a level where they can be acknowledged as a division leader.

“In the opposition ranks, one can enter the party today and stand as a candidate the next day but Umno has a hierarchy as some are more senior,” he said, calling for a “new normal” in the party. - FMT