UMNO Johor welcomes Najib house arrest decision, stresses sentence remains in force and rule of law must be respected

Johor Bahru: The UMNO Johor chapter has expressed approval of the decision allowing former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest. Dato' Onn Hafiz Ghazi, UMNO Johor's chairman and Johor Menteri Besar, urged all parties to comprehend the decision within its proper legal context.

Referring to Malaysia as a nation governed by the Constitution and rule of law, Onn Hafiz emphasised that the house arrest arrangement is not a release or cancellation of Najib’s conviction. He clarified, "The implementation of the remaining sentence through house arrest should be understood based on the legal status and the terms of the official decisions that have been issued.

It should not be misinterpreted as a release or cancellation of the sentence. Datuk Seri Najib is still serving the remaining sentence as it has been determined." UMNO Johor pledged to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional processes, and preserve the nation's institutions' harmony, stability, and dignity. The chapter called on Malaysians to engage in mature and responsible discussions, prioritising facts and respecting the law.

The statement also endorsed UMNO Malaysia's initiative to create a voluntary Contribution Fund to aid with the fines imposed on Najib, a distinct financial obligation from the custodial sentence. The conviction and sentencing of Najib in 2022 stemmed from charges linked to the 1MDB scandal, totaling 12 years' imprisonment and a fine.

House arrest alters the method of serving the remaining sentence, not the conviction or court’s findings. Onn Hafiz's language was cautious, expressing approval while stressing the sentence's continuity, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding the issue within UMNO, Najib's former party, and the importance of maintaining credibility with voters regarding the rule of law.