KUANTAN, March 19 ― The hot weather with temperatures reaching almost 34 degrees Celsius did not stop more than 5,000 people from gathering here today to express support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Mostly wearing red shirts, they started gathering as early as 7am at the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) base to join the Solidarity Gathering by carrying banners emblazoned with sentences of support and loyalty pledge to Najib.

Among them included “We respect our PM”, “We, Umno members, pledge loyalty and fully support PM Najib” and “We are firmly with you Najib as leader of the party and government”.

Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, who was present at the gathering, was overwhelmed by the undivided support of the Umno members and Barisan Nasional (BN) component party members who were willing to gather despite the blistering hot weather.

He said this proved that Najib's leadership was always relevant and accepted by the people.

He said the gathering was important to show Najib that he was not alone in facing the relentless onslaughts by the opposition.

“If we don't show (support), it would be seen as if our Prime Minister is alone, whereas he has always received fantastic support from the people. And I hope from the support shown, the prime minister will continue to be enthusiastic to continue his struggle,” he said.

Adnan said despite facing slander and ridicule from certain quarters, Najib was always patient and thought deeply before taking any action, thus simultaneously revealing his charisma as a leader.

“He uses more of his mind that his feelings. So, every action he takes is apt and this can be seen via his move to sack former deputy prime minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin whereby it was done after careful consideration,” he said.

Adnan was confident the style of leadership plus the support of all quarters, BN under the leadership of Najib could be victorious in the coming general election.

Meanwhile, Pahang MIC secretary M. Murugiah said the support shown by the Pahang BN component parties in the gathering clearly revealed the undivided loyalty of the party members.

“All in attendance did not budge in showing their support for the prime minister despite the hot weather as he is a patient and visionary man who is concerned about the welfare of all races,” said Murugiah, who was accompanied by more than 1,000 MIC members.

Meanwhile, Umno Pelak, Pekan branch committee member Fansurina Mohd Nor, 42, said the reception given to Najib today was extraordinary and positive among Umno members.

“The gathering is the interpretation of our support to the party president who all these while has looked after the people and carried out national development,” he said.

Wee Nam Keong, 48, who is Bera Gerakan branch chief said the high spirit exhibited showed that the BN component parties were still strong and stood firm behind Najib.

“We can see BN's capability and strength when we gather to support the prime minister, and hopefully this support can be continued because we know Najib is a leader who is capable of administering the nation,” he said. ― Bernama