PUTRAJAYA, April 30 — Amanah deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub has apologised to Umno over remarks from his party’s communication director urging against a royal pardon for disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Speaking to reporters at the Aidilfitri open house of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who was also the Umno president, Salahuddin said Amanah was sorry if Khalid Samad’s remarks had upset anyone.

"It’s necessary for us to settle the issue and move forward, for the sake of the country’s unity and stability.

"It’s clear that our stance is anyone can request for royal pardon as it is a basic right,” Salahuddin said.

When asked if Khalid would face action for his remarks, Salahuddin said the latter’s apology sufficed as disagreements were normal in politics.

Earlier today, Khalid apologised for upsetting Umno with his call, but insisted he was entitled to hold the opinion even if it differed with the ally party’s position.

Khalid’s statement previously caused a stir among Umno leaders, with Umno president Ahmad Zahid calling for an end to "inappropriate” comments on the party’s bid to seek a pardon for Najib.

Earlier today, Amanah president Mat Sabu said his party’s members may express their personal views about Umno's petition on behalf of Najib, but these were not representative of Amanah’s stand that was bound by PH’s position.

Najib has been convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from a former 1MDB unit and subsequently sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment; the ex-PM has applied for a royal pardon after exhausting all other legal avenues to appeal.