Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, Umno Youth permanent chairman, has underscored the pressing need for the government to promptly communicate its decision on Najib Razak's pardon application. Stressing the importance of "clarity and transparency," Wan Agyl expressed concern over the unintended consequences of the current lack of information, emphasizing that it has fueled speculation and misinformation.
In a conversation with FMT, Wan Agyl insisted that the government must acknowledge the public's thirst for information on this matter. He asserted that transparency and prompt communication are pivotal not only in addressing public concerns but also in preventing the proliferation of misinformation surrounding the fate of the former Umno president.
Recent events and widespread speculation regarding Najib's potential pardon have made it increasingly apparent to Wan Agyl that a clear and factual media statement is urgently needed. He urged the media to exercise caution, warning that reporting on rumors can result in "public unrest and mistrust in media institutions."
Highlighting a recent incident, Wan Agyl pointed out the retraction by Utusan Malaysia of an article claiming that Najib had been granted a full royal pardon. This serves as a prime example of the pitfalls of premature reporting. Even when corrected, such reports can leave a lasting impression, contributing to public confusion and emotional turmoil, according to Wan Agyl.
On Tuesday, Utusan Malaysia issued an apology for the inaccurate article, and on the same day, government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil called on the media to exhibit "professionalism in reporting." He emphasized the importance of waiting for the Federal Territories’ Pardons Board to release an official statement on the matter.
While acknowledging the media's need to provide timely updates, Wan Agyl emphasized their responsibility to ensure accuracy. In sensitive matters like Najib's pardon, he cautioned against prioritizing speed over accuracy, as speculation can lead to public unrest and erode trust in media institutions.
Najib commenced his 12-year prison term on August 23, 2022, following the Federal Court's rejection of his final appeal in the SRC International case. Shafee Abdullah, his lawyer, revealed that the pardon petition was initially submitted in September 2022, with addendums filed in October of that year and in April 2023.
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