PETALING JAYA: Umno has decided not to proceed with a planned solidarity gathering on Jan 6 outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya.
The party's secretary-general, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, announced the decision on Friday (Jan 3), citing the need to honour the decree from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, regarding pardons or sentence reductions for convicted prisoners, and following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
"Umno has decided not to proceed with the gathering on Jan 6," he said.
A solidarity gathering had been planned for 9am on Monday (Jan 6) outside the Palace of Justice in conjunction with the Court of Appeal’s hearing related to an alleged royal addendum order that would allow former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest.
Asyraf Wajdi stated that Umno humbly accepted all recommendations from the decree to respect the prerogative powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in using the prescribed legal channels to appeal for Najib, who has greatly contributed to the people and the country.
"Umno will never disregard the Constitution and remains committed to respecting all rules and laws as decreed by The Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"Umno places full confidence in the compassion and wisdom of The Yang di-Pertuan Agong in delivering full justice to Najib," he said.
Asyraf Wajdi also expressed appreciation to all party members who demonstrated a strong commitment to providing moral support despite no official directive from the party headquarters previously.
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain advised the public not to participate in any gatherings organised by any parties.
He made the statement on Friday following the decree from His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on pardons or sentence reductions for convicted prisoners, as outlined in Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.
Razarudin said the police emphasised that those seeking a pardon must submit applications through the appropriate legal channels, specifically to the Pardons Board, rather than through public assemblies or any non-legal means.
