KUALA LUMPUR — Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak remains influential among voters and will help Barisan Nasional (BN) win the 15th general election, said United Malays National Organisation (Umno) president Ahmad Zahid Hamid.

He said this is the reason Mr Najib was made chairman of the BN advisory council, a decision endorsed by the heads of the coalition’s components.

“It was agreed on by the presidents of MCA and MIC, as well as the highest members of the BN council, comprising leaders from the three component parties,” he told the press at the Parliament lobby on Thursday (July 11).

His comments come after Padang Rengas Member of Parliament Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz described Najib’s appointment as a backward step.

The former minister on Wednesday blamed Mr Najib for BN’s GE14 loss, and said the ex-Umno president no longer has anything to contribute to the party or coalition.

“Who was in charge when BN lost GE14? What kind of advice can he give us?

“I don’t think it will strengthen Umno, it is regressive,” he said, referring to Mr Najib’s BN advisory council appointment.

Mr Najib faces criminal breach of trust, money-laundering and power abuse charges in the ongoing SRC International trial.

He faces more criminal charges relating to 1Malaysia Development Bhd.

Mr Zahid said he welcomes anyone who is able to strengthen BN, and is looking at appointing an “eminent person” to the advisory council.

He said the individual must be neutral, unaffiliated with any party. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT