UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says any protest against the conditional pardon granted for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest could be viewed as challenging the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
PETALING JAYA: Any action to protest against the conditional pardon granted in relation to the implementation of house arrest for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak could be regarded as challenging the constitutional powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the conditional pardon granted under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution was a constitutional prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and must be respected by all parties.
He said UMNO expressed its utmost respect and gratitude to the King for his firm decree concerning the conditional pardon, which led to the implementation of house arrest for Najib.
“UMNO maintains that any action displaying elements of protest, including using the conditional pardon decreed by the King as justification for taking certain actions, could be construed as challenging and defying His Majesty’s constitutional authority,” he said in a statement today.
Zahid said UMNO would remain steadfast in defending the dignity and sovereignty of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers.
He added that Malaysia was a nation governed by the rule of law and that all citizens had a responsibility to uphold legal processes within the framework of the Federal Constitution.
