KUALA LUMPUR, January 17 – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today led the party in a direct appeal to the King, seeking “compassion and leniency” for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is currently serving a prison sentence.
Delivering his policy speech at the Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Zahid made the formal plea on behalf of the party, prompting delegates in Dewan Merdeka to rise and chant “Daulat Tuanku” three times in a show of support, as he asked that Najib be granted consideration to reunite with his family and the Umno community.
Najib is imprisoned following his conviction in the SRC International case, after which a 2024 pardons board decision reduced his sentence, though his subsequent bid for house arrest was rejected by the High Court last month.
The court ruled that an alleged royal addendum allowing house arrest was invalid as it bypassed constitutional procedures, while Najib was also convicted last month on further abuse of power and money laundering charges linked to 1MDB.
In the same assembly, Zahid defended Umno’s cooperation with former rival DAP as a necessary move for political stability, saying changing circumstances required pragmatism despite past rivalries. The session also saw the presence of Barisan Nasional component leaders.
Including MCA and MIC, signalling continued coalition ties amid internal strains, as Umno’s leadership reaffirmed its focus on unity and stability ahead of future political challenges.
