Don’t presume guilt when someone is investigated, says Asyraf

Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki emphasized that the party would never defend wrongdoers, whether they are party members or leaders, according to an Umno leader. In response to the recent arrests of individuals involved in investigations related to the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on the pilgrims fund, Asyraf stressed that anyone under investigation should not be presumed guilty until they have been convicted by a court.

He reiterated that the principle of the rule of law must always be respected and upheld, stating, "A person cannot be deemed guilty until they have been charged, tried and convicted by a court." Any suggestion that those being probed by the authorities were guilty contradicts the principles of justice and the presumption of innocence, emphasized Asyraf.

Despite not naming specific individuals, his remarks come in the wake of the arrests of former Tabung Haji chairman and former Treasury secretary-general to aid investigations into the RCI findings. Two lawyers, Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Irwan Serigar Abdullah, protested against remand orders taken against their clients, though their identities have not been disclosed.

During the Melaka state elections, Asyraf discussed the Umno state leadership's intention to engage in discussions and negotiations with political parties interested in electoral cooperation. He stressed that any negotiations must be based on sincerity and trust, not threats or intimidation, according to Asyraf. Additionally, Umno agreed to invite the top leadership of PAS to attend the Umno general assembly, scheduled from September 9-12, as a sign of respect and in response to PAS's invitation to Umno leaders to attend PAS's annual muktamar.