PETALING JAYA: MIC will now move its solidarity gathering for former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak to Batu Caves, says party deputy president Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
He said that although he does not think it is wrong to gather at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya – as initially planned – MIC has decided to instead hold a prayer vigil for Najib “to obtain justice on the addendum”.
“MIC will proceed with the solidarity gathering on Jan 6 since thousands of MIC members have committed to volunteering for the event.
“However, instead of gathering at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, MIC will hold special prayers for Najib at the Batu Caves Murugan Temple at 11am on Monday,” Saravanan said in a statement yesterday.
“MIC also warmly welcomes the Indian community at large to join us for these prayers, to collectively pray and wish for Najib to obtain justice on the addendum.
“As Malaysians, we are privileged to be guided by the wisdom of our monarchy, and I am compelled to reaffirm my unwavering respect for the sovereignty and authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia’s, recent statement that the process of pardon must proceed through the proper channels is a timely reminder of the sanctity of our constitutional framework,” he added.
Saravanan also noted that solidarity gatherings are a democratic right and must be viewed as separate from the formal processes His Majesty has rightfully emphasised.
“As Najib seeks to address alleged ethical concerns surrounding the judicial process this coming Monday, I firmly believe that his right to a fair and impartial judicial review must be upheld,” he said.
His statement comes after Umno issued an official statement on Friday that the party will not be joining the gathering. It followed the statement released by the Istana Negara hours before.
MIC and Umno are component parties of the Barisan Nasional coalition.
