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THE High Court’s decision on former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid for house arrest has drawn sharply divided responses from across the political spectrum, with expressions of disappointment and empathy from Barisan Nasional leaders contrasting with 'relief and approval' among several Pakatan Harapan lawmakers.
"Don't add fuel to the fire," said a stern statement from UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Although only a brief post on Facebook on Monday, the statement is believed to be aimed at DAP leaders who were allegedly 'celebrating' the court's decision to reject Najib's judicial review application regarding the Royal Addendum.
UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh voiced frustration over the outcome, questioning the court’s finding that the so-called addendum order was invalid despite an earlier statement from the Pahang Palace confirming that such an order had been issued by the Sultan of Pahang when he was the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In a Facebook post, Akmal said royal decrees had previously been cited as decisive in matters such as government formation and argued that the public could judge for itself the consistency of the current position.
“The Pahang Palace has issued a statement confirming that the Addendum Order was made by the Sultan of Pahang during his tenure as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, royal decrees were previously treated as decisive when it came to forming a government.”
“Today, however, that same decree is being deemed invalid,” he said in a Facebook post on Monday.
Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, meanwhile, adopted a more measured tone, describing the ruling as disappointing but urging composure and empathy.
While acknowledging the court’s decision, Zambry said it was natural to consider Najib’s age, health and family circumstances, stressing that raising such concerns through lawful means should not be viewed negatively.
“Of course, I am sad," he said in a text to The Star.
"On a personal note, I cannot ignore the human aspect of this matter. Najib has dedicated a significant part of his life to public service.”
He added that any remaining legal avenues should be considered with fairness and humanity, and expressed hope that Najib and his family would remain patient.
"While today’s decision may be disappointing, it should be approached with composure, dignity and empathy.”
“Should there be further legal avenues available, we hope they will be considered with fairness, wisdom and humanity, in line with the spirit of justice that underpins our constitutional order.”
"I hope Najib and his family remain patient in facing this trial and tribulation," he said.
Escalated tensions
Tensions escalated on social media following a post by Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, which was widely interpreted as welcoming the court’s decision.
“Another reason to celebrate the year-end,” Yeo wrote shortly after Judge Alice Loke Yee Ching ruled that the alleged addendum order had neither been discussed nor decided upon at the 61st Pardons Board meeting on Jan 29, 2024.
UMNO Supreme Council member Razlan Rafii condemned the remark as disrespectful, warning against rhetoric he said could provoke resentment.
Razlan, who is also political secretary to Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, rebuked her.
“This is a highly disrespectful statement!
Wait for the time when the Malays unite to rise against your injustice and provocation,” he said, attaching Yeo’s post.
Akmal went further, calling on UMNO to withdraw its support for the unity government, arguing that the party should not continue backing an administration in which its leaders and supporters were, in his view, being belittled.
“What more are we waiting for? Just withdraw our support from this government.”
“Better for us to be a dignified opposition than to be insulted by these ignorant groups,” he said.
Umno Women’s Exco member Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid also criticised Yeo’s post, while Subang UMNO division chief Armand Azha Abu Hanifah cautioned Pakatan Harapan supporters against excessive celebration. He said political cooperation within the government was not a licence to insult partners or disregard sensitivities, warning that such conduct could strain ties within the ruling coalition.
On the other side of the divide, several Pakatan Harapan lawmakers openly welcomed the outcome.
Subang MP Wong Chen described the decision as a triumph for justice, reflecting a broader view among government supporters that the ruling reaffirmed the principle of equality before the law.
Earlier on Monday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Najib’s judicial review seeking permission to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
In a detailed judgment, High Court judge Alice Loke Yee Ching ruled that the alleged addendum order, purportedly dated Jan 29, 2024, did not comply with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution as it was never deliberated or decided upon during the 61st meeting of the Pardons Board.
The court held that the respondents had neither the power nor the duty to enforce the document, and ordered that Najib, 72, continue serving his sentence at Kajang Prison for his conviction in the RM42 million SRC International case.
The decision followed the Federal Court’s ruling in August to return the matter to the High Court for a full hearing on its merits after rejecting the Attorney General’s bid for leave to appeal on issues related to the alleged addendum. – December 22, 2025