Najib Reiterates Unwavering Support For Abdullah - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, April 3 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today reiterated his unwavering support to Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi as the leader of the government and Umno despite calls to the prime minister pressuring him to step down.

He said Abdullah still commanded the support and respect of the Cabinet and Umno members for his leadership.

"The prime minister has expressed his intention to continue leading the nation as he still enjoys the support and respect in the Cabinet and among party members.

"He (Abdullah) has decided to continue with his leadership and has the right to do so," he told reporters after meeting the new Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Datuk Abdul Aziz Jaafar at the Defence Ministry.

Najib, who is also Defence Minister, was asked to comment on Abdullah's denial to speculations that he would step down as prime minister.

Abdullah reiterated his stand yesterday that he would not run away from his responsibilities as the prime minister.

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