KUALA LUMPUR: The absence of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is felt at the Umno Youth meeting, with debaters highlighting the former party president's influence in the political landscape. Pekan Umno Youth chief Mohd Fakhrul Akhmal Mohamed attributed Barisan Nasional and Umno's dominance at the Melaka and Johor state elections to Najib's presence. "This is a reminder that we need Najib Razak," he said when debating the Youth wing chief's policy speech on Thursday (Jan 15). Pasir Mas Umno Youth chief Nik Ikhwan Haqim Hanafi said the atmosphere at the Umno annual general assembly would be electrifying if Najib was present. Meanwhile, an Umno Youth delegate was jeered by the wing after shouting the slogan "Reformasi" when beginning his debates.

Source: The Star January 15, 2026 21:49 UTC