00:00A political analyst warns that some UMNO leaders may not have expressed their support for Najib
00:08Raza with sincere motives.
00:11Political analyst Asrul Hadi Abdullasani said, while the former Prime Minister is a well-loved
00:16figure in UMNO, it is undeniable that the support for him could be politically motivated.
00:23He said support for Najib was an important counterbalance against current UMNO President
00:27Ahmad Zayed Hamidi.
00:29However, Asrul said Zayed has no real incentive to push for Najib's release from prison, as
00:35many will perceive the latter as the real source of power in the party.
00:40Meanwhile, Azmi Hassan said whoever pushes for Najib's release, including Zayed, will
00:45be regarded as a hero.
00:48He also said Najib's release will no doubt make it so much easier for UMNO to attract
00:53Malay support.
00:55Najib's name was repeatedly mentioned at the UMNO General Assembly last week, with
00:59top leaders pledging to do all they can to secure a full royal pardon for the ex-party
01:05president.