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KUALA LUMPUR – Disgraced former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon bid has again become a contentious point between two parties in the unity government, with the Amanah president saying everyone has a right to express their views.
Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, in a statement today, said individual opinions do not represent those of their organisations, unless these views are endorsed by party leadership in a meeting.
“Amanah leaders have the right to voice their views, but they are bound by party decisions. This is a normal practice in any organisation.
“The authority to decide on the pardon involving former prime minister Najib is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.”
He added that Amanah, which is a component of Pakatan Harapan (PH), would abide by any decision by the coalition even though it might run contrary to the party’s stance.
“Similarly, in the context of the unity government, the decision at the coalition level overrides decisions of the respective political parties or alliances.”
Mohamad’s response came after Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi slammed Amanah for “disrespecting the Agong’s wisdom” in the matter.
“That’s why it’s hard to be friends with Amanah. Can only be friends, friends who do not guarantee the longevity of the unity government. ‘Kawan makan kawan’,” Puad posted on his Facebook page this morning.
Earlier, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had urged all quarters to stop making “inappropriate comments” on the party’s bid to seek a pardon for Najib.
“Let’s leave the matter to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as he has the prerogative. I do not welcome views from any organisations, what more from friendly political parties making inappropriate comments.”
Amanah communication director Khalid Abdul Samad had issued a statement calling for the rejection of the pardon application for Najib.
Last April 9, Zahid was reported as saying that Umno’s move to seek a pardon for Najib was in accordance with existing legal procedures and not a form of political pressure.
Najib was jailed 12 years and fined RM210 million after being convicted for abuse of power, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust over SRC International funds amounting to RM42 million. – The Vibes, April 30, 2023