Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said at an annual meeting of the United Malays National Organisation's (UMNO) Pekan division on Sunday, May 20, that Barisan Nasional (BN) was not to be blamed for their loss in the 14th general election.

Voters failed to appreciate BN's contribution

According to Malay Mail, after giving the 1Malaysia People's Aid (BR1M) and raises for civil servants as examples, Najib said:

"Unfortunately, what we have done, our contributions, did not receive the appropriate appreciation."

He added that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) alliance only won the election because of the campaign of "personal and hateful" attacks made against him, as well as the "clearly undeliverable" promises they made to the Malaysian people.

He also claimed that he had no qualms about losing, but he could not accept being beaten by rivals he claimed did not contest on merits.

Regarding 1MDB

According to Channel NewsAsia, Najib also complained about the way he was treated by the police after handing over power to Mahathir Mohamad.

He said:

"After I handed over the power, this is how I've been treated. Even my children's residences were raided.

Baby shoes were also taken away. Their wedding gifts were seized.

What is the relation between 1MDB and children's shoes? What is the relation between weddings gifts and 1MDB?"

UMNO going through a "holy and noble struggle"

During his speech, he also comforted his supporters -- a few were seen holding back tears.

He said:

“Don't feel down. If you want to cry when you see me, it's all right.

It's also okay if you want to hug me.

Be confident in UMNO's struggle. We must keep fighting.

We're in a tough situation but remember, our struggle is holy and noble.

One day the people will realise, the youth will realise, that our struggle is real, for our nation and religion.”

Top image via Kamles Kumar/Twitter