Opinions on Najib’s royal pardon bid not welcome, says Umno president

PONTIAN, April 28 — Umno does not welcome opinions and views, especially from its partner parties in the unity government, regarding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s royal pardon bid as the matter is at the absolute discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, said Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi

The Umno president stressed that political parties, especially those who are allied with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN), should refrain from commenting further on the matter.

“For Umno, we surrender the decision to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

“Please remember that the decision is at his discretion,” said Ahmad Zahid to reporters after attending the Pontian Umno division Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House at the Kompleks Muafakat Benut here today.

He was accompanied by Johor Umno chief Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and his deputy Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, who is also the Pontian Umno division chief.

Also present were Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Benut state assemblyman Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad and MCA president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.

Ahmad Zahid was responding to a statement made by Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) communications director Khalid Abdul Samad, who urged the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to reject Najib’s appeal to be pardoned and released from jail.

It was reported yesterday that Khalid was of the opinion that a pardon for Najib will send the wrong message to the people as it will have a negative impact on the nation’s justice system as well as the Malaysia Madani image touted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Ahmad Zahid, who is the deputy prime minister, said that Umno will not entertain or respond to opinions or views regarding Najib’s royal pardon bid from even non-political organisations.

“We (Umno) do not welcome inappropriate comments from any organisations, let alone political parties that are friendly with us,” he said.

On April 9, Ahmad Zahid confirmed that the party was proposing a date to appear before the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to present a pardon appeal on behalf of Najib.

Previously, the Umno Supreme Council requested the Agong’s discretion to consider a full pardon for the former party president following the provision under Article 42 (1) of the Federal Constitution.