Ahmad Zahid Urges UMNO Members To Express Gratitude, Respect Pardon Process

JAKARTA, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- UMNO members have been urged to be grateful for the conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, while continuing to observe proper decorum and respect the established process.

UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party had, from the outset, pursued the application with due decorum and humility through the established channels.

“Respect for the institution of the Malay Rulers, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law will continue to be our guiding principles,” the Deputy Prime Minister told reporters after attending the Halal 20 Summit here today.

He also described the decision as a highly significant development that brings immense relief to Najib, his family and the entire UMNO family, who have long hoped and prayed for him.

“With utmost humility, UMNO expresses its deepest gratitude for this development. His Majesty’s gracious gesture brings immense relief to Najib and his family, and will always be remembered with the deepest appreciation by the entire UMNO family,” he said.

His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today granted a conditional pardon to Najib, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

The conditional pardon is subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine and compliance with the conditions imposed throughout the period of house arrest.

The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department said the decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara.

-- BERNAMA