Facing hurdles: To serve his sentence under house arrest, Najib needs to submit an application for consideration by the Pardons Board chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Umno and PAS members are set to turn up for a rally in support of Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Jan 6.
The rally will be held on the day of the Court of Appeal’s hearing related to an alleged royal addendum order that will apparently allow the jailed former prime minister to serve the rest of his prison term under house arrest.
In an internal memo, PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan urged party leaders to mobilise members for the solidarity gathering at 9am on Jan 6 outside of the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
“Please ensure that members attend, to send a signal to the Madani government led by PMX on the sanctity of the Federal Constitution and sovereignty of the law, which the people have been calling for,” he said in the memo.
When contacted, a PAS leader confirmed the authenticity of the memo, adding that members will show up for the assembly.
Meanwhile, Umno Supreme Council leader Datuk Mohd Puad Zarkashi said the peaceful assembly was to show solidarity with Najib.
“Yes, Umno Supreme Council members will attend and all Umno divisions will send members as a sign of solidarity,” he said when contacted.
“I was informed that almost all divisions will send buses except for Sabah. All Umno members want is a confirmation of whether the royal addendum exists or not, and it has to be implemented (if it exists),” he said.
Puad reminded party members to ensure a peaceful gathering and to abide by the orders of authorities.
Federal Territories Umno Info chief Gulam Muszaffar said Jan 6 is not only an important date for Najib and his family, but also the party as a whole as it will put an end to speculation on the existence of the alleged royal addendum.
“The majority of the people are waiting with hope. What is the story of the royal addendum?” he said in a note.
“For me as an Umno member, this struggle is not solely that of Bossku and his family but also ours as he was our former top leader and we should stand with him by providing moral support.
“Are we going to distance ourselves, turn a blind eye or keep quiet on Bossku’s struggles? Are we ready to give our enemy space to claim credit for something we had started together?” he added.
Therefore, Gulam said it is important for Supreme Council leaders, division chiefs and grassroot leaders and members to show their moral support for Najib by attending the rally.
“This is enough to show that Umno is still continuing its crusade,” he said, adding that the trait of a true friendship is standing by one’s friend even when they have nothing to offer.
