KUCHING, April 8: United Malay National Organisation’s (Umno) bid to seek a royal pardon for former party president Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak should be respected by all quarters as it is the right of the party to do so.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof said that people can apply for a royal pardon but whether it will be granted or otherwise is determined by the legislation.
“That (applying for royal pardon) is Umno’s own effort, but the pardoning procedure will be different as the process is carried out by the law.
“That is the right of Umno because it is the party where Datuk Seri Najib was the former president. We (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) do not encourage it but we respect their decision to fight for their former leader,” he told reporters after distributing porridge as part of the Rewang Kampungku Lit NexGen Petra Jaya programme at Surau Darul Ikwan in Kampung Semerah Padi here today.
Fadillah stressed that the request for a royal pardon is of a different context, which will depend on the law as well as considerations from the Pardons Board and the King.
On whether the decision to grant a royal pardon to Najib will have a negative impact on the unity government, he said the Federal government would focus on recovering the nation’s economy and promoting inclusivity, and avoid political turmoil.
“This should be the priority of the unity government,” he added.
At the event, Fadillah also handed over a wheelchair to a member of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) who has mobility issues and is awaiting further medical treatment for his foot.
The Umno Supreme Council will be seeking an audience with the King to present a memorandum asking for Najib, who is currently serving out his 12-year jail term at Kajang prison, to be pardon.
In news reports by various news outlet, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the memorandum was handed to the top leadership by the 191 Umno divisions and was also signed by the Supreme Council. — DayakDaily
