Khaled: Umno won’t be quiet even if Harapan opposes free-Najib bid
Published: Aug 23, 2024 5:06 PM
Umno will not remain quiet if certain quarters attempt to frustrate efforts to free its former party president Najib Abdul Razak, who is serving a six-year prison term.
Party vice-president Mohamed Khaled Nordin made this clear when asked if there is opposition from Pakatan Harapan or DAP, which was vocal about the 1MDB scandal in the past.
He stressed that Umno would not turn its back on the former premier, under whose watch Umno and BN were dethroned in the 2018 general election, or forget his contributions.
“Even if there are (others) who have different views and stands (regarding Najib), this does not mean Umno must remain quiet.
“(The agenda to free) Najib is a reflection of Umno’s stand not to forget the contributions of its past leaders. Umno views Najib as not being accorded proper justice,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the party’s annual general assembly in Kuala Lumpur.
Khaled emphasised that Umno would not compromise with any quarters with regard to defending its principles and stand.
Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak
“Umno must continue to bring forth matters which it holds on to and its decisions,” he said, quoting party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s speech that the party would only work with those who accept the principles of its struggle such as defending Islam, the Malay language, special rights of the Malays and rulers.
“Those willing to accept (Umno’s principles) can cooperate with us. The issue of (freedom and justice for) Najib is our decision,” he added.
Top resolution
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki revealed that a pardon for Najib ranked top in relation to the resolutions received from divisions for the annual meet.
In his policy speech, Zahid said Umno has not hit the brakes and remains committed to the efforts to free Najib, who is also embroiled in other legal matters related to 1MDB.
Najib was initially slapped with a 12-year prison sentence and RM210 million fine following his conviction in the SRC International case.
However, the Pardons Board in February this year halved his sentence and reduced the fine.
In an immediate response to Khaled’s remarks, Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, a former deputy minister during the Harapan administration, said: “Pity. Some people even fail to realise how 1MDB has inflicted a severe blow to our economy and ruined the country’s image.”
“May common sense prevail,” he added in a Facebook post.
“Umno must continue to bring forth matters which it holds on to and its decisions,” he said, quoting party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s speech that the party would only work with those who accept the principles of its struggle such as defending Islam, the Malay language, special rights of the Malays and rulers.
“Those willing to accept (Umno’s principles) can cooperate with us. The issue of (freedom and justice for) Najib is our decision,” he added.
Top resolution
Earlier, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki revealed that a pardon for Najib ranked top in relation to the resolutions received from divisions for the annual meet.
In his policy speech, Zahid said Umno has not hit the brakes and remains committed to the efforts to free Najib, who is also embroiled in other legal matters related to 1MDB.
Najib was initially slapped with a 12-year prison sentence and RM210 million fine following his conviction in the SRC International case.
However, the Pardons Board in February this year halved his sentence and reduced the fine.
In an immediate response to Khaled’s remarks, Mohamed Hanipa Maidin, a former deputy minister during the Harapan administration, said: “Pity. Some people even fail to realise how 1MDB has inflicted a severe blow to our economy and ruined the country’s image.”
“May common sense prevail,” he added in a Facebook post.
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