Najib supporters brush off payment claims, say support comes from loyalty

PUTRAJAYA – Supporters of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who gathered outside the Palace of Justice today, have vehemently denied allegations that they were financially induced to attend, maintaining that their presence was entirely voluntary.

According to reports by The Star, the assembly created a spirited atmosphere outside the court complex, with supporters chanting slogans such as "Hidup Bossku," "Bebas Najib," and "1Malaysia."

Those in attendance insisted they had made their own travel arrangements and covered all personal expenses.

Mohammad Rafie, 42, who travelled from Sabah, dismissed claims of paid participation as unfounded, stating that many turned up out of a sense of gratitude for Najib’s leadership.

“We were not paid. People traveled from various states because we remember Najib’s contributions. These are the faces of loyal supporters who have stood by Datuk Seri Najib from the beginning,” he said.

Another supporter, Vellasamy, 58, from Sepang, echoed these sentiments, noting that those present willingly bore the costs of petrol and meals.

“Please stop saying we were paid. Many of us came here at our own expense. Regardless of the outcome, we respect the Constitution and will accept the court’s decision with an open heart,” he added.

The gathering took place as the Kuala Lumpur High Court prepared to deliver its verdict on whether Najib would be acquitted or convicted of four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering involving RM2.28 billion linked to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The ruling is being delivered at the Palace of Justice by Justice Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah, who has since been elevated to the Federal Court.

Today’s much-anticipated decision marks the culmination of more than seven years of legal proceedings in one of the nation’s most significant corruption trials.

Justice Sequerah will rule on whether the former Prime Minister is guilty of the charges or if the defense has successfully established reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case.