[UPDATED] Urgent meeting at Umno HQ: Zahid leads efforts for Najib’s pardon appeal

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi arrives at party headquarters before 4pm, accompanied by treasurer-general Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor.

Zahid is scheduled to have a closed-door meeting with his division chiefs today at Menara Dato Onn to inform them of the decision to collect signatures to appeal to the new Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a full pardon to be granted to Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Party leaders, such as secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, women’s chief Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad, and supreme council member Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan, were also spotted in the lobby as they trickled in for the meeting.

Others include Negri Sembilan chief Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias, former Kedah menteri besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid (Padang Terap) and Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah (Alor Setar), as well as former deputy finance minister Datuk Othman Aziz (Jerlun).

Of the total 191 divisions, 145 delegates or representatives are here for the meeting.

Yesterday, the Umno Supreme Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the Pardons Board’s decision on Najib’s petition.

It was decided that the party would collect signatures for Najib, who is former Umno president, to receive a full pardon – or at least, parole or house arrest, said council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam. 

The Pardons Board secretariat for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya recently announced that Najib’s jail sentence was halved from 12 years to six years. 

His fine was also slashed from RM210 million to RM50 million. However, he would have to serve an additional year in prison in default if he fails to pay it. 

Najib began serving his prison sentence on August 23, 2022 after losing his final appeal at the Federal Court. He submitted his application for a royal pardon in September of the same year.

He was convicted by the high court in July 2020 of corruption involving RM42 million of funds belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd. – February 4, 2024