We will not stop fighting to ensure Najib's freedom, says Umno

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno respects the Pardons Board's decision to reduce the jail sentence and fine for Datuk Seri Najib Razak but will continue to fight to ensure the former prime minister is released from prison, says the Umno supreme council.

It also called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to join hands with Umno in this effort, said the supreme council after a two-hour meeting chaired by Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to discuss the Pardons Board's decision.

"Umno will continue its efforts to defend our former president in line with the decision made in the annual general assembly to continue efforts to fight for Najib.

"We feel that Najib was not given due justice during his trial. We hope that the Prime Minister will join us to uphold this spirit (to fight for Najib) in accordance with the principles of justice," said the supreme council in a statement on Saturday (Feb 3).

On Friday (Feb 2), the Pardons Board announced that it had decided to commute Najib's jail term from 12 years to six, with a release date of Aug 23, 2028, and to reduce his fine from RM210mil to RM50mil.