{
  "id": 3999414,
  "title": "Jangan anggap ditahan sudah bersalah, kata Umno",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/jangan-anggap-ditahan-sudah-bersalah-kata-umno-3999414",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T16:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/08/29/jangan-anggap-ditahan-sudah-bersalah-kata-umno"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Umno President Zahid Hamidi addressed the Umno's Top Executive Council meeting (MKT) in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizing that an individual should not be considered guilty until proven so by a court of law. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno's Deputy President, stressed that the principles of the rule of law and presumption of innocence must always be respected, including for individuals recently detained for investigation. He pointed out that treating someone as guilty before a court's final decision contradicts principles of justice.\n\nAsyraf clarified that this stance does not mean Umno will tolerate misconduct, misuse or lapses by any party, including party members and leaders. He reiterated that anyone who commits a mistake must face the legal process through the court system. This statement comes following allegations that Umno leaders are being investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for misuse of the Hajj Relief Fund. Additionally, former Umno Deputy President Ismail Sabri Yaakob is facing charges under Section 36(2) of the MACC Act for failing to comply with a notice to disclose assets from a non-corruption agency. Yaakob has pleaded not guilty.\n\nAsyraf also mentioned that the MKT conducted various empirical studies on public sentiment, particularly among Malay Muslims, who seek to realize unity among the ummah. Empirical studies by various agencies, researchers and academics show the importance of Malay identity as a cornerstone of national political stability. Consequently, MKT agreed to allow Umno's state leaders to hold discussions and consultations with other political parties interested in collaborating ahead of the upcoming general election. Asyraf emphasized that any cooperation for forming an election alliance must be based on sincerity and trust, rather than ulterior motives or incitement.",
  "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",
        "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."
}