KUALA LUMPUR (ANN/THE STAR): A proposal requesting a comprehensive royal pardon for former Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has been formally presented to Umno’s president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Deputy President of Kelab Sahabat Najib 87, Datuk Kamarudin Abdullah, conveyed that the organisation is petitioning for a complete pardon from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, on behalf of Najib.
“We also hope that Najib can serve his sentence under house arrest instead of in prison,” he said during a gathering at Menara Dato Onn on Sunday.
Also present were Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and her youngest son, Mohd Norashman.
The body also pledged full support towards Umno and would defend its presidential party institution.
Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid reaffirmed his commitment to make efforts to assist Najib.
“We should not easily give up and stop our efforts,” he said.
He added that many other ways aside from legal channels can be used in such efforts.
“We can do it in various ways with the blessing of Najib’s family,” he said, without divulging the full details due to the sensitive nature of the matter.
Zahid added that his friendship with Najib had gone way back since 1987, and he sympathised with what Najib had gone through.
“I have never looked back on this struggle, although I know the risk is high,” he said.
Najib, 70, has been serving his sentence in Kajang Prison since August 23, 2022, after his conviction in the SRC International case.
The High Court has set June 5 to decide on a leave application by Najib to challenge the existence of an addendum order, purportedly issued with the consent of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, allowing him to serve the remaining six years of prison sentence under house arrest.
