KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — The women’s wing of Umno has reaffirmed its loyalty to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, asserting that the party does not need to “erase history” to build its future.

Speaking at the Wanita Umno general assembly today, the wing’s chief, Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, urged the party to appreciate leaders who devoted their lives to the service of Umno and the nation.

“We appreciate those who have contributed to the party. We appreciate the leaders of the past who devoted a large part of their lives to Umno and the country.

“And Wanita Umno also does not forget the contributions of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. We do not need to erase history to build the future,” Noraini said in her policy speech.

Noraini, who also serves as the Minister of plantation and commodities, argued that Najib’s impact on the country’s economic transformation, infrastructure development, and public assistance remains an undeniable part of Malaysia’s history, regardless of the current political climate.

While acknowledging the ongoing legal proceedings involving the former prime minister, she maintained that respect for the judiciary does not preclude the expression of human compassion.

“But respecting the legal process does not prevent us from having human values. Wanita Umno knows how to remember the contributions of others,” she said.

Concluding her address, Noraini offered prayers for Najib and his family, expressing hope that they would find the strength and resilience to endure their current trials.

“We continue to pray that the doors of justice and compassion will be opened, so that he can return to his family and continue the struggle together,” she said.

Najib is currently serving a prison sentence from one of his convictions over the 1MDB global corruption scandal.