Umno divisions push for ex-Malaysian PM Najib’s full pardon at assembly
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Former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak began his 12-year prison term in August 2022.
PHOTO: REUTERS
KUALA LUMPUR – The majority of motions received from Umno divisions during the party’s general assembly are for the release of the party’s former president Najib Razak, says Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi.
Dr Asyraf Wajdi said a total of 72 divisions submitted a motion demanding a full pardon for the former prime minister who has been behind bars since August 2022.
“The Umno headquarters has received 171 motions from 191 divisions across the country. The most frequent motion calls for a full pardon and release for Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“We will continue to voice out and find ways as long as bossku (Najib) is behind ‘steel curtains’. Please grant your utmost trust and confidence to our top leadership,” he said during his speech at the 2024 Umno General Assembly on Aug 23.
Dr Asyraf said the motion for a full pardon for Najib should be in accordance with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution. The provision under Article 42 is the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and respites without prejudice to the power to remit, suspend, or commute sentences conferred by federal or state law.
Najib began his 12-year prison term
He was charged with abusing SRC International’s funds amounting to RM42 million.
On Feb 2, the Pardons Board announced that it had decided to commute Najib’s jail term from 12 years to six,
Meanwhile, party vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Umno will not remain silent in seeking justice for Najib despite differing views on the matter.
“The party remains steadfast in its stand that Najib was not given due justice,” he told reporters when met after the opening of the Umno general assembly on Aug 23.
He said Umno’s stand was based on Najib’s contributions as leader of the party and nation.
Umno has been vocal in its defence of Najib, in line with the decision made at the last annual general assembly that the former Pekan MP was not granted justice during his trial. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
