KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Umno has reiterated its loyalty to national institutions, respect for the monarchy, while expressing hope that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will receive fair treatment.
Fully supporting the stance of upholding the decree by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Friday (Jan 3), Sabah Umno chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin said the party remains steadfast in ensuring all actions and decisions are taken responsibly and prudently in the interest of the nation and its people.
“In this regard, Sabah Umno places high hopes on the wisdom and benevolence of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to ensure that full justice is granted to Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” he said in a statement on Saturday (Jan 4).
Bung Moktar’s remarks were in response to Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki’s recent statement, where the party emphasised its priority in defending the Malay Rulers, adhering to the Federal Constitution, and respecting the nation's judicial system.
On Friday (Jan 3), Asyraf announced that Umno will not proceed with the rally planned for Monday (Jan 6), following a statement from Istana Negara and advice from the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
He affirmed Umno’s respect for the King’s constitutional authority under Article 42(1) and (2) regarding Najib’s case, highlighting the party’s commitment to upholding the monarchy and the rule of law.
The rally, initially planned to support Najib’s bid for a pardon, had drawn bipartisan backing, including from PAS.
However, the statement from Istana Negara urged the public to respect the law, while the police advised against participating in the rally.
Asyraf said Umno faces the delicate task of balancing its advocacy for Najib, while respecting the monarchy and Malaysia’s governance system.
