Painful that Najib failed to get full pardon, says Puad Zakarshi

PETALING JAYA: It is painful that Datuk Seri Najib Razak failed to obtain a full pardon, says Umno supreme council member Datuk Dr Puad Zarkashi.

"Others could but he could not. There are several quarters celebrating. Najib is the wow factor to rejuvenate Umno," he said in a Facebook post on Friday (Feb 2).

"Now the weapons for Umno to rise are blunt," he added.

Puad said the former prime minister must actively share his ideas and criticisms on economic issues and the well-being of the people once again.

Puad said Najib may be away physically but his thoughts are not.

He added that those loyal to Najib would remain with him.

The Pardons Board announced that the jail sentence of the convicted former prime minister had been reduced from 12 years to six.

According to a statement by the board, Najib would be released on Aug 23, 2028 and the fine had been reduced to RM50mil from RM210mil.

"However, if the fine is not paid, a year will be added to the jail term, and the release date will then be on Aug 23, 2029," the Pardons Board secretariat said on Friday (Feb 2).