KOTA TINGGI, Sept 20 — Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today said any displeasure over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conditional pardon should not extend to questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional prerogative to grant them.
Khaled said the granting of pardons was not unprecedented, with such decisions having been made in numerous cases involving individuals sentenced to death or life imprisonment, while the issue should also not be linked to ongoing efforts to unite Malay political parties.
“Pardons have been granted in numerous cases, whether involving individuals sentenced to death or life imprisonment, and those decisions were accepted without dispute,” The New Straits Times quoted him as telling reporters after attending the Kota Tinggi Parliamentary Maulidur Rasul celebration at Dewan Besar Felda Air Tawar 2 here.
“We hope all citizens accept that the power exists and is permissible under the law. It is the absolute prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and should not be questioned by any party,” he was quoted as saying.
Khaled, who is also Kota Tinggi MP, said efforts towards Malay political unity were focused on safeguarding the community’s interests and political standing, and had nothing to do with Najib’s pardon.
“Whether Najib is released or not is a separate issue. Malay unity is about safeguarding the community’s interests and political standing. If opponents use the pardon issue to influence voters, it is simply political manoeuvring,” he added.
Khaled also said that his party’s solidarity with Najib fundraiser set up recently is only to provide support within its means.
“It shows our sympathy because RM50 million is a substantial sum. While we may not reach that target, the fund reflects what we can do to help,” he was quoted as saying.
Last Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted a conditional pardon allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to payment of a RM50 million fine.
Umno subsequently launched the solidarity fund to collect public donations, which hit RM1 million as of 9.30am yesterday, according to party secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
