PETALING JAYA: Umno will not proceed with a solidarity gathering planned on Monday outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, says its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
He said the decision was made based on the principle of honouring the decree of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on 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 in a statement yesterday.
A solidarity gathering had been planned on Monday to coincide with the Court of Appeal’s hearing related to an alleged royal addendum order that will apparently allow former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the rest of his prison term under house arrest.
Asyraf Wajdi said Umno humbly accepts 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.
“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.”
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 yesterday following the King’s decree.
Razarudin said police have 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.
