KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed sympathy for party members over the legal challenges they are facing.
In his president’s policy speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly (AGM) on Friday (Sept 11), Ahmad Zahid urged delegates to continue supporting the party members.
Three party members that are currently facing legal challenges include Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim, Datuk Seri Jamil Khir and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri.
“We sympathise with him over what he has gone through, having to wear the orange uniform (referring to Azeez).
“As such, let us continue to extend our sympathy to both our friends,” he said.
It was reported that Jamil is set to be charged over alleged dishonest misappropriation of property linked to the Tabung Haji case.
Azeez was previously reported to have allegedly used his position as Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) chairman to obtain the position of chairman of Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, with an annual remuneration of RM690,000, as well as a luxury car and permanent driver.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of using his position to secure the chairmanship of a company with a RM690,000 annual salary 12 years ago.
Meanwhile, Ismail was charged with failing to declare assets, including RM14.7mil in cash, millions of ringgit in various foreign currencies and gold bars. He claimed trial to the charge.
The Deputy Prime Minister also expressed hope for good news from the Pardons Board meeting, which is rumoured to be considering an application by former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Zahid then addressed Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, asking her to stand so that the delegates could see her.
“Datin, we ask you to stand so that the delegates can easily see you. Hopefully, there will be good news today, God willing,” he said.
It has been reported that Najib’s application for house arrest would be among the issues discussed at the meeting, although it remains unclear whether the meeting would result in a decision.
Najib, 73, was convicted of misappropriating RM42mil belonging to SRC International and sentenced to 12 years in prison, along with a RM210mil fine.
He began serving his sentence at Kajang Prison on Aug 23, 2022.
