PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s arrest was aimed at demoralising his spirit, said Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, the president of a group calling itself Pemantau Malaysia Baru, which is protesting in front of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters here.

Tens of Najib’s supporters from the group arrived shortly before 9pm and chanted "Hidup Najib” (Long live Najib) and "Daulat Tuanku”.

Calling for a candlelight vigil, about 40 candles were lit by the pavement on the side of the road during the gathering.

"Najib was arrested by the MACC today when all this while he has been cooperating with them and even presented himself to give his statement for two sessions.

"What is the point of his arrest, we ask...It’s aimed at breaking his spirit, push him to give up,” said Lokman, who is also an Umno supreme council member.Lokman, however, said Najib was strong-willed and the arrest would not affect him because that was not the Najib he knew.

"I can guarantee you that if MACC had asked Najib to present himself in court, he has no reason not to cooperate,” he said today’s gathering was to mark their solidarity with the former prime minister.

Government retiree, Uda Basri Mohd Toha, lights a candle in support of Datuk Seri Najib Razak outside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya July 3, 2018. — Picture by Hari Anggara

He added the group did not wish to create trouble but only prayed for the injustice faced by Najib, and expressed disappointment at the government’s treatment of the latter.

The group also sang a song rendition of "Allah Selamatkan Kamu” (God Save You) for Najib, a song usually sang on birthdays.

About 30 police personnel and several patrol cars were present at the scene to prevent any unwanted altercation.