Najib to take a break, apologises for shortcomings

PETALING JAYA: Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Abdul Razak Said today that he is taking a break to spend time with his family after a gruelling campaign which saw Najib relinquish BN’s 61-year stranglehold on the country.
“After over four decades in politics and the recent election campaign, which was regrettably personal and perhaps the most intense in Malaysian history, I will take a short break to spend time with my family whom I have not seen enough of in recent years,” he said on Facebook.
The opposition party chairman said that his party is committed to respecting the people’s will as well as facilitating a smooth transfer of power.
“The best interests of Malaysia and its people will always be my first priority and I intend to continue serving them in whatever capacity I can,” he added.
He called for unity after an election campaign that was divisive.
“I pray that after this divisive period, the country will unite,” he wrote.
In a rare glimpse of vulnerability, the former premier apologised for his shortcomings and thanked Malaysians for having the opportunity to lead the country.
“I apologise for any shortcomings and mistakes, and I thank you, the people, for the opportunity to lead our great nation,” he said.
“It has been the honour of my lifetime to serve you and Malaysia,” he added.
It was reported that Najib and Rosmah had chartered a private plane heading to Jakarta, after a viral photograph detailing a chartered flight manifest which lists Najib and his wife Rosmah Mansor as passengers.
According to the photograph, the flight – with the tail sign PK-RJX – was to depart for from the Subang airport at 10am.
Sources close to Najib said that he was going to Indonesia for a couple of days to recharge after the elections.
It was also reported that the duo were blacklisted by the immigration department from leaving the country.