KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic) says he still shares a brotherly bond with Umno president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, despite being sacked from the latter's Cabinet.
The Umno vice-president said that the close relationship should not, however, stop him from speaking up when "something is not right".
"He's still my brother, still my friend, rest assured I respect him.
"But there are things where we say 'this is right, this is not'," he said on the sidelines of the Umno general assembly, here, Saturday.
Shafie, together with Umno deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, have not been allowed to deliver speeches at this year's AGM following their public criticism of Najib.
The Semporna MP said disputes and differences in opinion were common in Umno, but that priority should be given to solving economic issues in the country.
"We can shake hands, hug, and shake hands again in the midst of solving economic problems.
"Issues like 1Malaysia Development Berhad, unemployment, problems facing the lower income group – these are more important," he said.
Shafie said he was fully aware that Najib, who is Prime Minister, was doing his best to resolve these issues, adding that it was crucial for Umno and the Government to remain focused.
"Economic issues have been raised aplenty by delegates at the assembly, which we need to listen to and overcome.
"I know he (Najib) is doing his best, but we need to see how we can resolve it in the best way possible," he added.
