All’s well in unity govt despite Najib’s conditional pardon, says Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi affirmed on Thursday that the unity government's components maintain a positive relationship, despite former Prime Minister Najib Razak receiving a conditional pardon. Speaking to Bernama, Zahid emphasized the professional approach taken by Putrajaya in managing governmental affairs, with Cabinet decisions made collectively.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong recently granted Najib the option to serve his remaining six-year jail sentence for the SRC International case at home, provided he fulfills a RM50 million fine. According to Zahid, this decision by the king, after a meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board, was lawful and constitutional. He cautioned against questioning the royal prerogative, urging others to respect the decision.

Umno supported the conditional pardon and established a fund to aid Najib in settling his RM50 million fine, enabling him to complete his sentence under house arrest. However, the Pakatan Harapan presidential council maintained that no individual is above the law; those convicted must serve their sentences according to the law and the Federal Constitution.

Umno Information Chief Azalina Othman Said responded to PH's stance, emphasizing that pardons are lawful within the country, as they are provided for under the Federal Constitution.