Umno shouldn’t make Najib’s pardon an ultimatum for unity govt: analyst

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno should avoid turning former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application into an ultimatum against the unity government, said political analyst Datuk Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi. He told Scoop the issue remained politically sensitive, with Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters against a pardon for committing graft, and the PH presidential council recently maintaining that individuals convicted in high-profile corruption cases should serve the full sentences imposed on them. Awang Azman said Umno could continue advocating for clemency for Najib while respecting the constitutional process that binds the Pardons Board. “Umno does not need to turn the Najib issue into an ultimatum to the unity government. “Instead, the party can maintain its position that it remains consistent in fighting for justice and clemency for Najib, but at the same time fully respecting the constitutional process, the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Pardons Board. “This is where Umno can demonstrate greater political wisdom,” he added. Such an approach would be better for Umno as it allowed the party to remain loyal to Najib without placing pressure on the unity government or politicising the royal institution. “It demonstrates loyalty without going too far, firmness without threatening the stability of the government, and respect for the Malay Rulers without politicising the royal institution,” the analyst with Universiti Malaya’s Academy of Malay Studies said. Although the issue of Najib’s pardon application could be viewed within the broader political context involving Umno-Barisan Nasional and PH, he cautioned that there was no hard evidence to conclude that political considerations were behind the decision by the Pardons Board to postpone its deliberation on the issue to its next meeting. “The decision of the Pardons Board is a constitutional process, and we do not have any official statement that the postponement was made due to political considerations,” he said. The meeting of the board on Friday coincided with the start of Umno’s annual general assembly. Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had expressed hope to all delegates for a pardon for Najib. Later the same day, he said he was “saddened” at the decision to defer the matter to a later board meeting but respected the King’s authority to postpone the matter. The issue of Najib’s pardon also comes as Umno explores strategic partners for the 16th general election (GE16), having stressed several times that its current cooperation with PH in the unity government is to last until government’s mandate expires. GE16 is due to be held by February 2028, although there is much speculation it will be held sooner. Najib is currently serving a reduced six-year sentence in Kajang Prison for corruption, abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million from SRC International, a subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd. His original sentence was 12 years in prison and a RM210 million fine. The fine has been reduced to RM50 million. These reductions were granted to him by the Pardons Board in 2024. In a separate graft trial involving 1MDB-Tanore, Najib was convicted and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment, which is to begin after he completes his current sentence for the SRC International case. - September 12, 2026 The post Umno shouldn’t make Najib’s pardon an ultimatum for unity govt: analyst appeared first on Scoop .