"I'm a gentleman," says Najib

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has hit out at his critics and said he would never admit defeat and continue to lead UMNO as pressure mounts from within the party.

He stressed, he will continue to defend his position and find solutions to overcome problems that have plagued the country and party of late.

“Even though the baton of leadership will one day be passed on to another person, I can’t just abandon our cause and drop our mission without trying first,” Najib said in his policy speech during the 2015 UMNO General Assembly this morning.

He said only a coward would simply pass on the leadership to run away from problems.

Najib also took the opportunity to address criticisms from various parties including former UMNO President, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

“Like all of you, I too am only human, with strengths and weaknesses.

“But I am a gentleman and whatever problems that may arise, come and sit down with me to discuss the matter and solve them through proper channels,” Najib told delegates at the meeting which was also attended by Dr Mahathir.

Dr Mahathir had previously consistently attacked Najib’s leadership especially on the 1MDB and RM2.6 political fund issue.

The UMNO President also reiterated his assurance that the 1MDB debts would be resolved through rationalisation plan that had been outlined.

“With regards to 1MDB, I would like to inform you that the issue is being dealt with and in the process of being rectified.

“1MDB’s debts have now been reduced by RM17 billion with the sale of Edra. This is proof that the 1MDB rationalisation plan is proceeding smoothly. Hopefully the trust of the people can be restored further with several other announcements soon,” Najib said.