Najib laments lack of 'true friends' in tough times

Najib's name was on the social media post, but he can't send it from jail.

Tan Min-Wei

November 01, 2024, 07:04 PM

Former Malaysian prime minister and now incarcerated convict Najib Razak has lamented the difficulty of finding out who his true friends are in a time of great difficulty.

Tough times and tougher facades

On Oct. 30, the former PM posted on social media a lament about friendship, after he had attended his court date for the 1MDB corruption trial.

The Malay Mail translated his post, originally written in Malay, quoting him as saying "It is hard to find a true friend."

"Those by your side might not necessarily be friends who are there during tough times", he continued.

"Many show up only when they want wealth, some put on a facade."

The post showed a series of pictures of people who had attended a recent court hearing, including a number of prominent politicians, such as Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, also known as Ku Li.

Public support

Also present were members of the public, who have regularly shown up on Najib's courtdates to show their support, holding signs and shouting slogans.

Najib's post thanked them directly, thanking the "friends who came to court today", but not just the politicians or acquaintances.

But also supporters and ordinary citizens who "remember (his) past contributions and miss the previous administration".

"Now these," Najib said, "are the true friends. For at this time, what else is there to give but appreciation and thanks?"

No direct communication

While all these words were posted in Najib's name and with his voice, there is a question as to who the true author was.

Certainly it was not Najib himself who sent the post, as he is currently serving out a six year term in prison, commuted from the original 12 years he was due to serve.

Prisoners in Malaysia are not allowed to speak directly to the public, and this includes via social media.

This was made evident in recent weeks when Najib "apologised" for the 1MDB scandal while denying responsibility for it, with the statement being made by his son Nazir Najib.

Stand witness

This came just before an Oct. 30 court date to decide if Najib had a case to answer in regards to the 1MBD corruption trial.

Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah at the High Court in Kuala Lumpur found the charges to be valid, requiring Najib to enter a defense on four counts of abusing his position, and 21 counts of money laundering.

He will be the defence's first witness when the trial continues on Dec. 2.