KUALA LUMPUR: Umno veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah is calling on the party to take a stronger and more united stand in pursuing relief for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The former Gua Musang MP said the prolonged silence by the party leadership has disappointed grassroots members.
He said Umno could not continue to “remain quiet” when many within the party and the public were questioning why no decisive effort had been made to resolve Najib’s case, particularly the issue surrounding the royal addendum linked to house arrest.
While court decisions must be respected, Tengku Razaleigh, who is a former finance minister, said political efforts are still legitimate, especially in seeking royal clemency, which he said falls squarely within the constitutional prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“We accept the court’s decision and Najib is serving his sentence, but efforts must still be made.
“This includes pursuing royal clemency, which is clearly provided for under the Constitution,” he said during a press conference at his residence here yesterday.
Tengku Razaleigh questioned why Umno had yet to convene a high-level meeting to formally deliberate its position, despite earlier party decisions that Najib’s case should be pursued collectively.
He said many party members were puzzled by the leadership’s inaction, particularly given Umno’s central role in the formation of the unity government.
On the legal controversy surrounding the addendum to Najib’s royal pardon, Tengku Razaleigh said confusion had arisen over claims that some authorities were unaware of its existence, despite it being linked to the constitutional powers of the King.
He also raised long-standing objections to the 1993 constitutional amendments, arguing that provisions affecting royal prerogatives were not properly consented to by the Malay Rulers and therefore remained open to legal challenge.
In 1993, Parliament passed amendments to the Federal Constitution that curtailed the legal immunity of the Malay Rulers and required the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to act on the advice of the Pardons Board when exercising clemency powers.
However, Tengku Razaleigh argued that the amendments are constitutionally flawed, claiming that all nine Malay Rulers at the time did not consent to the changes, despite provisions affecting royal prerogatives requiring their approval.
“This matter has dragged on for too long.
“It should have been resolved swiftly, as expected by the public, especially Umno members who want to see closure and justice done,” he said.
He added that continued hesitation risked contradicting Umno’s own foundational struggle to uphold the position and powers of the Malay Rulers.
He reiterated that his remarks were not meant to challenge the courts, but to remind all parties of their constitutional duties.
“We must respect the courts and uphold the King’s commands. That is the essence of our Constitution and the foundation of this nation,” he said.
