PETALING JAYA: A senior Umno leader has hit out at those who he says are using the planned solidarity rally for its former president and prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak as a “political tool”.
Calling them “highly immoral”, Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled said the pardon process for Najib is not a political tool for any party.
“Using it as a bet for popularity is highly immoral. Therefore, Umno respects the royal wisdom and will always act constitutionally.
“Those who insist that the gathering on Jan 6 is legitimate and will continue, disregarding the advice of the authorities, are players in ‘politics without morality’.
“For them, morality, law, constitutionality, national security, national unity and religious harmony are not reasons to engage in politics. All of these are available to be exploited for the sake of political ‘optics’, nothing more,” he said yesterday.
His statement comes after PAS said it would not retract its call to its members to gather in front of the courts tomorrow to show solidarity with Najib pertaining to the alleged royal addendum order that will allow him to serve the rest of his prison term under house arrest.
Khaled, who is also Defence Minister, said Umno has never ceased to fight for justice for Najib, but it will be done constitutionally and not deviate from the legal process.
On Friday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced that Umno will not proceed with the rally planned for tomorrow, following a statement from Istana Negara and advice from the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The rally, initially planned in conjunction with the Court of Appeal hearing on the alleged addendum for Najib tomorrow, has drawn bipartisan backing, including from PAS.
Sabah Umno has also reiterated its loyalty to national institutions, respect for the monarchy, while expressing hope that Najib will receive fair treatment.
Fully supporting the stance of upholding the decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Friday, Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the party remains steadfast in ensuring all actions and decisions are taken responsibly and prudently in the interest of the nation and its people.
“In this regard, Sabah Umno places high hopes on the wisdom and benevolence of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to ensure that full justice is granted to Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Similarly, other Umno state leaders from Kelantan, Terengganu, Penang, Perak and Melaka have voiced support with the party’s top leaders’ decision to not proceed with the rally.
Perak Umno chairman Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said they will abide by the party decision while Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said Umno respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s prerogative powers on the granting of pardons, reprieves and respites as provided for under the Constitution.
Contrary to the stance of these Umno state leaders, the party’s controversial Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh vowed to be at the Palace of Justice for the gathering tomorrow.
While he stressed that as an Umno member he will continue to uphold the King’s decree and respect the party’s decision, he will be there in his personal capacity as a Najib supporter to provide moral support to the former Umno president.
