PUTRAJAYA, May 25 ― Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak heaped praises on his predecessor today, calling Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi a "true and loyal friend” for his unwavering support in government and in Umno amid tough times.

He also announced a RM5 million grant for the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Legacy Organisation, during a public lecture where he was officiating.

"Not only does he refer to me as ‘brother’, but Abdullah is a true and loyal friend who remains faithful to me and the government even during turbulent times,” Najib said in his speech while officiating at a lecture in Abdullah’s name here.

He also thanked the fifth prime minister for a smooth transition of powers.

"What touches me the most about Abdullah is when he is willing to hand over the Umno presidency and the prime ministerial position to me in an orderly manner and with nobility.

"For all of that, I wish to sincerely thank Abdullah,” Najib said.

Abdullah, popularly known as Pak Lah, took office in October 2003 after being handpicked by the fourth prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He led Barisan Nasional to a massive victory in the 2004 general elections, but lost much support, including the ruling coalition’s two-thirds control of parliament at the next round in 2008 and resigned a year later, naming Najib his successor.

Najib then announced the RM5 million grant for the advocacy and science-based organisation bearing his predecessor’s name established last September.

"In an effort to support the organisation's noble efforts, I wish to announce a RM5 million grant to the Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Legacy Organisation,” he said.

The Pahang-born leader said he often recalls Abdullah’s words during the latter’s time in office.

"I always thought about Abdullah's words, as he once said, ‘work with me, not work for me’.

"If that's true, then this quote would apply in any organisation or struggles. If you want to go fast, you go alone. But, if you want to go far, you go together,” he added.

Najib will be seeking a third term in office at the 14th general elections that must be called by June next year and faces more opponents than ever from the Malay and Bumiputera demographic group that forms his party’s main vote bank following schisms within Umno.

However, the sixth prime minister is likely to keep his position, according to the latest results of a popularity survey by Opposition-linked Invoke Centre for Policy Initiatives released yesterday.

Najib led the list of 10 prime ministerial candidates, winning 31 per cent of 17,962 voter support, while his closest rival, de facto PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scored only 8 per cent support.