Najib pardon row exposes fresh cracks in unity govt as Umno comes out swinging

 

Former premier Najib Abdul Razak’s latest application to the Federal Territories Pardons Board has emerged as another flashpoint between Umno and Pakatan Harapan, exposing fresh strains within the unity government.

Taking the criticism a step further, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki accused Harapan of “indirectly exposing its true colours” over its stance on the Malay rulers and their constitutional powers, which he claimed the coalition was “belittling and questioning for its political interests”.

“This clearly runs counter to the principles and conditions jointly agreed upon when forming the unity government,” he said in a statement.

Asyraf was responding to a statement issued last night by the Harapan presidential council secretariat, which did not name Najib (above) but stressed that individuals convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentences imposed by the courts.

The statement came amid reports that Najib’s fresh clemency application would be deliberated at this Friday’s Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting, chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar.

Expressing Umno’s “regret”, Asyraf claimed Harapan’s statement appeared to question the Agong’s powers to grant pardons.

“If Harapan could support the pardon granted to (Harapan chairperson) Anwar Ibrahim even though he had not completed his full sentence at the time, why should a different standard be applied to others?” he asked.

Anwar was released from prison following a royal pardon on May 16, 2018, in connection with a sodomy conviction, just days after Harapan ousted the Najib-led Umno and BN in the general election.

Anwar, who is now the prime minister, has consistently maintained that the sodomy allegation against him was fabricated by his political rivals.

Meanwhile, Asyraf (above) said that, unlike Harapan, Umno has no intention of pre-empting the consideration of the Pardons Board or demanding any particular decision.

“Whatever decision is made through a lawful process must be respected by all parties,” he added.

Asyraf emphasised that Umno remains steadfast in supporting the institution of the Agong and His Majesty’s powers.

“Any attempt to exert pressure on, or directly or indirectly sow prejudice against this institution constitutes a betrayal of the Constitution and the country,” he warned.

'Don't get it twisted'

Following this, Harapan Youth treasurer Lim Chun Weng hit back at Asyraf, arguing that championing the rule of law should not be "twisted" into questioning the ruler's power to grant pardons.

He said the Umno politician's claims lay in stark contrast to Harapan's support for the Agong's directive to combat corruption.

While highlighting the financial impact of the 1MDB scandal, he also stressed that Asyraf could not fairly compare Najib’s case with Anwar’s.

“Do not use one case to legitimise or justify another case. What we need to discuss are the principles, facts, and the impact of a case on the country and the people," Lim (above) added in a statement today.

In Agong's hands

Asyraf’s statement comes a day after Anwar dismissed speculation of a rift with BN and Umno chief Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Previously, Singapore's The Straits Times reported that sources who attended the Harapan meeting revealed that the attorney-general and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh is expected to oppose any additional clemency for Najib when the Pardons Board convenes.

“Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the king. Anwar (below) will therefore seek an audience with the king ahead of the Pardons Board meeting to discuss the matter,” one of the sources was quoted as saying.

Najib began serving a 12-year prison term in 2022 after being convicted in the SRC International corruption case. In 2024, the Pardons Board cut his sentence by half and reduced the RM210 million fine to RM50 million.

In December last year, Najib was convicted of corruption for a second time and sentenced to 15 years in jail, together with an RM11.38 billion fine, which he will serve after finishing his SRC sentence. - Mkini