{
  "id": 3998991,
  "title": "Jangan anggap ditahan sudah bersalah, kata Umno",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/jangan-anggap-ditahan-sudah-bersalah-kata-umno",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T16:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/08/29/jangan-anggap-ditahan-sudah-bersalah-kata-umno"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Umno Presidente Zahid Hamidi urged delegates at the Umno Highest Council (MKT) meeting last night not to view someone as guilty until they are charged, investigated and accused by the court. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno's Deputy Secretary General, emphasized that the principles of the rule of law and presumption of innocence must always be respected, including for an individual recently arrested for investigation. He stressed that actions that smear or accuse someone of being guilty before the court's proceedings conclude go against the principle of justice. It's important to note that no individual should be viewed as guilty until they are charged, investigated, and accused by the court, as this principle ensures fairness in the legal process. However, Asyraf clarified that this stance does not mean Umno will defend any misconduct, misrepresentation, or deviation by any party, including party members and leaders. Those who commit wrongdoings must still face the legal process through the court system. This statement follows revelations that Umno leaders are under investigation by Malaysia's Anti-Corruption Agency (SPRM) over irregularities in the Hajj Endowment Fund. Additionally, former Umno deputy president Ismail Sabri Yaakob faces charges under Section 36(2) of the SPRM Act for failing to comply with notification requirements for the issuance of assets by the anti-corruption agency. Sabri admitted his innocence regarding the allegations. In other news, Asyraf mentioned that the MKT also conducted various empirical studies on public sentiment, particularly among Malays, who seek to realize unity among the ummah. He noted that empirical research by various agencies, researchers, and academics also highlights the importance of Malays as a stabilizing factor in national politics. Consequently, MKT agreed to allow Umno's state leadership to hold discussions and negotiations with other political parties interested in collaborating for the upcoming elections. Asyraf stressed that any cooperation discussions for election campaigning must be based on sincerity and trust, not on votes or provocations.",
  "summary": "Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki berkata prinsip anggapan tidak bersalah mesti dihormati, namun Umno tidak akan mempertahankan salah laku mana-mana ahli atau pemimpinnya.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Jangan anggap ditahan sudah bersalah, kata Umno",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/jangan-anggap-ditahan-sudah-bersalah-kata-umno-3999414",
        "published": "2026-08-28T16:03:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}