KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 ― Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had given assurance that the jailed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is a supporter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim-led administration.

Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, had pleaded for the convicted former prime minister to be given justice as Anwar was seated on the main stage at Dewan Merdeka.

"Even our former leader who is now behind the iron bars is praying and hoping that this unity government will retake these six states.

"We give encouragement even if he is not with us physically, his spirit is still with us,” he told more than 6,000 Umno delegates alongside guests of honour from the unity government.

To further prove his claim, he then showed a video of Najib's son, Datuk Mohd Nizar Najib dismissing any rumours that the former Umno president had urged party members to back Perikatan Nasional (PN) in the upcoming state elections.

"Father never issued orders to attack the president's institutions or components of the unity cause, demanded to be loyal to the Umno party and demanded to abide by the president's orders.

"The party's perception game is irresponsible, it's because he's angry with the cause of unity, it's not true at all, father never told Umno members to leave Umno and BN,” Nizar said.

After the video ended, Nizar then proceeded to stand up and said "Bebaskan Bossku” (free Bossku), referring to a moniker that was given to Najib prior to the 14th general election (GE14).

As thousands of Umno delegates stood up in support of Nizar's demand, Zahid stammered and urged Anwar to listen to the sentiment of Dewan Merdeka at the time.

"PM please see what has been stated... this is authentic,” he said as he sipped his drink while wiping his tears.

He said that Umno has always remained strong in its stance and demand for Najib to be given justice.

Yesterday, it was reported that Najib, who is now serving a 12-year jail sentence for stealing RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, was conferred the youth leadership award by his party's youth wing this morning.

Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the newly-elected Umno Youth chief, said the accolade was a token of appreciation for Najib's services and contribution to the country.

He praised Najib for rolling out pro-people "holistic” policies.