The Umno president calls for an end to debates over the matter, saying everyone must respect the king's decision and authority.
“Let us close the book on this controversy. There should be no more polemics,” he told reporters at a Risda programme in Alor Gajah today.
“Let what has happened be a lesson to all of us, whether we are legal practitioners or those responsible for upholding the law, to respect the king’s prerogative.”
Zahid was asked to comment on the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision to issue a fresh order allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence for his graft conviction under house arrest with immediate effect.
He also expressed hope that Najib would be able to spend time with his family.
Najib was jailed in August 2022 after the Federal Court upheld his conviction for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million in SRC International funds. He was sentenced to 12 years behind bars and fined RM210 million.
In January 2024, then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah halved Najib’s prison sentence and reduced his fine to RM50 million as part of a royal pardon.
In September this year, the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, granted Najib a further conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, upon paying the RM50 million fine and complying with other stipulated conditions.
On a related matter, Zahid praised Loke Siew Fook, whose resignation as transport minister took effect earlier today, describing him as “a man of principle”.
“He sits to my right during Cabinet meetings, and we will miss him and I wish him all the best outside the government.”
Loke had announced his resignation as transport minister in September after Najib was granted a conditional pardon but said it would only take effect when Najib began serving his SRC jail term under house arrest. - FMT
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