{
  "id": 4061296,
  "title": "Don’t presume guilt when someone is investigated, says Asyraf",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/dont-presume-guilt-when-someone-is-investigated-says-asyraf-4061296",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T23:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/29/don-t-presume-guilt-when-someone-is-investigated-says-asyraf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has emphasized that individuals under investigation should not be presumed guilty until proven so by a court of law. Speaking at an Umno Supreme Court meeting, Asyraf stressed that the principle of the presumption of innocence and the rule of law must always be respected. He reiterated that Umno would not defend wrongdoers, whether they are party members or leaders, asserting that they must face justice through the legal process. This stance follows the arrests of two individuals - a former Tabung Haji chairman and a former Treasury secretary-general - who have been assisting in investigations related to the royal commission of inquiry (RCI) on the pilgrims fund. While the names of the arrested individuals have not been disclosed, two lawyers representing their clients have protested against remand orders. Asyraf also commented on the impending Melaka state elections, stating that the Umno state leadership would engage in discussions and negotiations with political parties interested in electoral cooperation. However, he emphasized that such negotiations must be based on sincerity and trust, not threats or intimidation. Furthermore, Asyraf extended an invitation to the top leadership of PAS to attend the Umno general assembly, scheduled for September 9-12, as a gesture of respect and in reciprocation of PAS's invitation to Umno leaders to attend PAS's annual muktamar.",
  "summary": "Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki says the principle of the rule of law must always be respected and upheld.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Don’t presume guilt when someone is investigated, says Asyraf",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/dont-presume-guilt-when-someone-is-investigated-says-asyraf",
        "published": "2026-08-28T23:05:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}