KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has made a heartfelt appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, seeking his compassion, wisdom, and justice in granting a full pardon to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Its president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the appeal aligned with the Agong's prerogative powers under Articles 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.
"Umno respectfully seeks the compassion, wisdom, and justice of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant a full pardon to Datuk Seri Najib, in line with the Agong's prerogative powers under Articles 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.
"I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Umno members and loyal supporters who have unwaveringly provided their support and prayers throughout this journey," he said in a Facebook post today.
The deputy prime minister also expressed gratitude to Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, for affirming the authenticity of an addendum order permitting former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve his sentence under house arrest.
He said the confirmation by the Comptroller of the Royal Household substantiated the supplementary affidavit supporting Najib's petition.
"The affidavit, jointly filed by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and myself, is now validated with this royal affirmation," he added.
Zahid reiterated Umno's respect for the ongoing legal process while advocating for justice for Najib.
Najib is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after being convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million by the High Court, the punishment was reduced to six years and a RM50 million fine after Najib's petition for a royal pardon in September 2022.
Earlier, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah revealed the alleged addendum order by the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which permitted Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.