SRC case: Umno can’t take action against Najib as he is not a party leader, says Perak MB

IPOH: Umno cannot take any action against Datuk Seri Najib Razak as he is only a party member now following the Court of Appeal’s decision against the former premier, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Umno supreme council member said Najib no longer holds any positions in the party, hence the party could not do anything about him after the court upheld the former prime minister’s conviction for misappropriating RM42mil from SRC International Sdn Bhd (SRC), a subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

"In the party constitution, it is only stated that leaders will need to resign from their positions if they are found guilty and convicted by the court.

"Najib does not have any position in the party and we can only sympathise with him," he said at a press conference after opening the Ipoh International Art Festival here on Saturday (Dec 11).

"We also cannot comment on the decision as it would be in contempt of court," he added.

The High Court had on July 28 last year sentenced Najib to 12 years in jail and fined RM210mil after he was found guilty of seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power in the SRC International case.

On Wednesday (Dec 8), the Court of Appeal dismissed Najib’s appeal and upheld his conviction. The former premier has filed an appeal at the Federal Court.

On a separate matter, Saarani said party members are free to give their opinions at branch and wing meetings.

"Their opinions will be brought up in division meetings, and then at the state liaison meeting. It will then be debated at the federal level," he said.