KUALA LUMPUR, MAY 19 — They came to offer support to their embattled former leader, but ended up leaving his home with a new spirit, several Umno leaders said today.
Umno leaders Tan Sri Mohd Ali Rustam and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin arrived at former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house here this afternoon with the intention of offering words of support, as raids on his home in Taman Duta enters the fourth day.
However, both leaders claimed that it was Najib who conversely gave them more inspiration and support.
“He told us to continue our hard work as usual and to remain calm during this time so the party can recover,” Mohd Ali told reporters outside the home.
“Both him and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor looked calm and healthy.”
“We came here thinking that we would give him support, but instead he gave more spirit to us,” added the former Umno vice-president and Melaka chief minister.
Puteri Umno chief Mas Ermieyati echoed her party colleague’s sentiments, adding that she was glad to see Najib’s spirit as a young leader herself.
“I’m happy to see him healthy and positive. It is so difficult to show the spirit that he is showing,” she said.
“We have to continue working through easy times and difficult times. I hope Puteri Umno continue fighting together to help the party recover.”
Mas Ermieyati also said she had spoken to Rosmah, and assured the assembled press that Rosmah was doing well.
A litany of Umno leaders have been seen visiting Najib at his Jalan Langgak Duta home, since the raids began four days ago.
After Mohd Ali and Mas Ermieyati left, former Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and Penang Umno chief Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman were also spotted heading towards Najib’s residence.
The raids on Najib’s house are part of a larger investigation into the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
