PUTRAJAYA: The relationship among unity government components remains good despite the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Najib Razak, says deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Umno president said the parties in Putrajaya remain professional in managing the government’s affairs with Cabinet decisions made collectively.
“The relationship is good. Although we’re politicians, in managing government matters, we act professionally,” Bernama quoted him as saying.
Yesterday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong decided to allow Najib to serve the remainder of his six-year jail sentence in the SRC International case at home provided he pays his RM50 million fine.
Zahid reiterated that the king’s decision, following a Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting, was lawful and constitutional.
He warned others against questioning the royal prerogative.
Umno had welcomed Najib’s conditional pardon and launched a fund to help settle his RM50 million fine to allow him to serve his remaining jail term under house arrest.
However, Pakatan Harapan’s presidential council said no one was above the law and those convicted of offences should serve their sentences in accordance with the law and the Federal Constitution.
In rebuttal, Umno information chief Azalina Othman Said reminded PH that pardons are lawful as they are provided for under the Federal Constitution, the supreme law of the country.
