KUALA LUMPUR: Calls for a royal pardon for Datuk Seri Najib Razak are expected to dominate the Umno annual general assembly (AGM) next week.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said that of the 662 proposals submitted by party divisions nationwide, 104 specifically call for the incarcerated former prime minister to be pardoned by the King.
“These proposals are backed by legal arguments, judging from the jargon used,” he said at a press conference yesterday.
Asyraf also said no division or branch had suggested that Umno leave the current government, even as debates on cooperation with other parties are expected to arise during the AGM, which runs from Jan 14 to Jan 17 at the World Trade Centre here.
“We have not filtered or rejected any of the proposals because we feel the AGM is where grassroots voices will be heard.
“No proposals on DAP were received, but I am sure the issue would be raised. We are a mixed-party government, and I have stated that leaders must be careful about raising sensitive issues,” he said.
The AGM, postponed last November due to the Sabah state election, will see 6,412 delegates in attendance.
It begins with the AGMs of Umno Youth, Wanita and Puteri, to be jointly opened by party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Asyraf also addressed talk surrounding Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, and his “resignation” following disagreements over the party’s cooperation with DAP.
“Umno has not been informed of Akmal’s resignation as Youth chief. I would like to tell Akmal that differences of opinion in a party are normal. Agree to disagree, but do not give up. Fight for the bigger agenda,” he said.
