Unity govt party ties still good, Zahid says after Najib granted house arrest

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that ties between parties in the unity government remain strong following the Pardons Board's decision to grant former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak conditional house arrest. Zahid deemed the decision constitutional, as the Sultan of Malaysia, who chaired the board, had considered various aspects before reaching the ruling.

He emphasized that questioning the King's decision would not align with the Federal Constitution. Zahid also affirmed that Umno and Barisan Nasional maintained their commitment to adhering to the law, as previously mentioned. He highlighted that despite being politicians, their relationship with other unity government parties remains professional and issue-free, as Cabinet decisions are a collective responsibility.

Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that ties between Cabinet members were also positive on a personal level. The mixed reactions to Najib's conditional house arrest were evident, with Umno welcoming the Pardons Board's decision and beginning fundraising for Najib's RM50 million fine. Meanwhile, the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council maintained that no one is above the law and that convicted individuals must serve their sentence according to the Federal Constitution and the law, supporting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's stance as well as the Attorney-General's and Federal Territories Minister's advice to the Pardons Board.