With incumbent jailed, Umno expected to appoint ‘caretaker’ for Pekan

Umno is expected to appoint a “caretaker” for the Pekan parliamentary seat following the imprisonment of its incumbent Najib Abdul Razak.

Pekan Umno committee member Ishak Muhammad said a special meeting would be held to discuss the matter.

“Pekan Umno deputy chief Zamri Ramly will call for the meeting to decide who will be chosen as the coordinator for the seat,” he told Malaysiakini.

However, Ishak pointed out that the Election Commission (EC) has not addressed the status of the Pekan seat or declared it vacant.

“So, we will wait,” he added.

Najib had replaced his father, second prime minister Abdul Razak Hussein, as the MP for Pekan in 1976. He contested the seat at the age of 23 after his father died.

Yesterday, the Federal Court upheld the former premier’s conviction and sentence in the SRC International case.

Najib, 69, was later taken to the Kajang prison complex to serve his 12-year jail term.

Speculation has been rife that Najib’s son from his first marriage, Mohd Nizar, would contest the Pekan seat in the next general election.

‘Only EC and courts can address issue’

Meanwhile, Pahang Umno information head Syed Ibrahim Syed Ahmad said only the courts and the EC can address the questions surrounding the status of the Pekan seat.

“The only ones who can answer these questions are those in authority such as the EC and the courts,” he told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, lawyer New Sin Yew said Najib must file a petition for pardon within 14 days or lose his status as Pekan MP.

The Pardons Board comprises the attorney-general, federal territories minister and three other members appointed by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who presides over the board.

His Majesty can exercise the power to pardon a convict after consulting the board or based on its recommendation.

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Azhar Azizan Harun said he is still waiting for the official gazetted order on the status of the Pekan seat.

“If within the 14 days there is a petition filed for pardon, then an MP's qualification to hold his seat will remain until the petition has been decided on,” he added. - Mkini