Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Umno remains optimistic despite deferral of Najib clemency bid
Umno President Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed disappointment Wednesday over the postponement of a decision on former premier Najib Razak's clemency application, but said the party still expects a favourable outcome.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has voiced disappointment at the deferral of Najib Razak's royal clemency application, while maintaining hope that the party's former chairman will ultimately receive a positive ruling.
Zahid's remarks came after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's office announced the postponement of a decision on Najib's clemency petition, which had been submitted following his conviction on corruption charges related to the 1MDB scandal.
The Umno leader told reporters that the party remained confident the application would be favourably considered, despite the delay in the decision-making process. He did not provide further details on when a fresh decision might be expected.
Najib, who served as Malaysia's prime minister from 2009 to 2018, was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment in 2023 on charges of abuse of power and criminal breach of trust involving billions of ringgit from the sovereign wealth fund.
The clemency application represents one avenue through which the former premier could seek relief from his conviction, with the decision ultimately resting with the palace.