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

Kota Tinggi, September 20 — Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin has stated that any criticism of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's conditional pardon should not lead to questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's constitutional power to grant pardons. Khaled emphasised that such decisions are not uncommon, with many instances of individuals receiving pardons for death or life imprisonment, and these decisions were accepted without issue.

The news quoted him as expressing his hope that all Malaysians would acknowledge the existence and validity of this power, thereby refraining from challenging it. Khaled underlined that the Malay political unity efforts are centred on protecting the community's interests and political standing, and are unrelated to Najib's pardon.

"Whether Najib is released or not is a separate issue," he said, adding that any political maneuvering by opponents to exploit this issue for electoral gain would be purely opportunistic. Khaled also clarified that his party's recent solidarity fund for Najib fundraiser was established solely to offer support within its capacity.

"It reflects our sympathy as RM50 million is a significant amount," he noted, although the fund might not reach that amount. Last Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, granted a conditional pardon enabling Najib to serve his remaining prison time under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays a RM50 million fine.

Umno subsequently initiated the solidarity fund, which, as of 9.30am yesterday, had collected RM1 million in donations, according to party secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.