Kedah Umno warns against questioning Agong’s prerogative over Najib pardon

KUALA LUMPUR: Kedah Umno chairman Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has warned against questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s prerogative in granting former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak a conditional pardon to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

Mahdzir said the decision should not be turned into a political controversy as it was lawful, in accordance with the Federal Constitution and could not be challenged in the civil courts.

He said the party expressed its highest appreciation and gratitude to Sultan Ibrahim for exercising His Majesty’s discretion in deciding on the matter involving Najib.

“We accept the decision with gratitude, humility and unwavering respect for the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as well as the country’s constitutional and legal system,” he said in a statement today.

Mahdzir said the King had exercised his discretionary and prerogative powers under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, which he said should not be challenged or disputed by any party.

“This must be accepted openly by everyone and by all sections of society because His Majesty has clear rights and powers enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said.

“Just because the person receiving the privilege is not on our side, we should not reject or question the decision, while fully supporting it without question when it involves someone we support.”

Mahdzir also urged all parties not to raise issues that could confuse the public about the King’s constitutional prerogative, particularly by turning the matter into an election campaign issue.

“I urge all parties not to manipulate this matter for popularity or votes in any future election, nor use it as campaign material to create confusion among the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mahdzir said Kedah Umno prayed for Najib to be given strength and patience and for his affairs to be eased as he serves the remainder of his sentence under the terms granted by the King.

He also called on Umno members in Kedah and across the country to accept the development with gratitude and without going beyond the bounds of propriety in their words and actions.

Kedah Umno, he added, has launched the Najib Razak Solidarity Fund at all Umno divisions in the state to support the former Umno president and prime minister in paying the RM50 million fine imposed on him.