Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed dissatisfaction with the comments made by Tony Pua of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) regarding the Pardons Board's recent decision to halve the sentence of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized that Pua's remarks did not represent the official stance of the party.
Speaking to reporters, Zahid urged DAP leaders to advise Pua to retract his comments and issue an apology. While clarifying that there were no legal actions initiated by any political party against Pakatan Harapan members, Zahid acknowledged the need to scrutinize opinions within the organization, citing similar instances even within his own party, Umno.
Zahid clarified that unless statements were issued by high-ranking officials or party leaders, they would not be considered as the party's official opinion. He stressed the importance of party leaders intervening to ensure that members retract, delete, and apologize for remarks that could be deemed inappropriate.
Acknowledging differences of opinion within the coalition, Zahid maintained that respect for the party's main leadership was crucial, asserting that it had become the party's position to uphold justice for Najib. He also acknowledged the possibility of Umno members lodging police reports against Pua in line with the party's commitment to supporting Najib.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the coalition's tolerance for diverse opinions but underscored the significance of adhering to the party's position. Meanwhile, he admitted his inability to prevent wing leaders and party members from making police reports against individuals whose statements did not align with the party's stance.
In response to Pua's remarks, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain announced that an investigation had been initiated. Pua is being probed under the Sedition Act 1948 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for allegedly inciting public discontent towards the royal institution.
Providing context, Zahid reiterated that Najib had initially received a 12-year prison sentence and a RM210 million fine for charges related to abuse of power, breach of trust, and money laundering linked to RM42 million from SRC International. The official statement from the Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, detailed the decision following a January 29 meeting, considering five pardon applications, including Najib's. The decision was deemed within the Agong's prerogative under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.
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