‘Whether Najib is released or not is a separate issue’: Khaled Nordin says King’s pardon prerogative should not be questioned

Kota Tinggi, Sept 20 — Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said that criticism over former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conditional pardon should not lead to questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional authority to grant pardons. Khaled highlighted that such decisions have been made in various cases, from individuals sentenced to death or life imprisonment, and these should be accepted without dispute.

He told reporters after the Kota Tinggi Parliamentary Maulidur Rasul celebration that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's power is absolute and should not be questioned by any party. Khaled, as well as Kota Tinggi MP, stressed that Malay political unity efforts aim to safeguard community interests and political standing, which are unrelated to Najib's pardon.

He added that the opposition using the pardon issue to influence voters is merely political maneuvering. Umno's solidarity fund, launched to support Najib, collected RM50 million, reflecting the party's sympathy despite not reaching the target. This fund was established to provide assistance within their capabilities.