At an inaugural lecture held in honour of former premier Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, prime minister Najib Abdul Razak today credited his predecessor for unwavering loyalty to Umno and Barisan Nasional.
Najib during his speech at the event hosted by Pertubuhan Legasi Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Putrajaya, also took a subtle jab at those he said have betrayed Umno and the country.
"I would like to honour his loyalty all this while, no matter what happened, he continued to give full support and stood beside me, the government, Umno and BN.
"Not even once did he think of doing any actions to betray the party and the country, or go as far as leaving the party," he said, without mentioning any names.
However, Najib's remark could be in reference to Abdullah's predecessor Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is now Najib's staunchest critic, and has even quit his long-time party Umno, in calling for the premier's removal.
Najib further described his relationship with Abdullah, or fondly known as Pak Lah, to be as close as two brothers.
"What touches me the most is that not only does he call me 'my brother', he is also my true friend who remains loyal to me in good and bad times, and even through unpredictable challenging times," he said.
Among others, Najib said Abdullah's love for Umno and the country was evident when he willingly handed over the party president and prime minister's post in an orderly manner that befits its esteemed tradition.
On Oct 8 2008, Abdullah announced that he would not defend the post of Umno president and would relinquish the post of prime minister in March 2009, after the Umno elections which saw Najib winning the position unopposed before being appointed as the sixth prime minister.
Najib, meanwhile, recalled that their bond goes back to the time when Abdullah was appointed to assist his father and second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, to be a member of the Majlis Gerakan Negara (Mageran) after the May 13, 1969 race riots.
"Pak Lah himself had once told me, 'You are the biological son of Tun Razak. I am his political son," said Najib.
Abdullah, or fondly known as Pak Lah, is also patron of the legacy institute founded in September last year.
Joking that he did not come empty handed, Najib also announced an RM5 million fund for the institute's operations this year.
Also present in the audience was Abdullah's wife, Jeanne Abdullah, and Malacca governor Khalil Yaakob.- Mkini
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