KOTA TINGGI: The issue surrounding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak should not be viewed in isolation when considering the factors that could shape the next general election, says Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (pic).
The Umno vice-president acknowledged that political parties would inevitably exploit various issues to influence voters during an election campaign, but stressed that broader national concerns will ultimately weigh heavier on the electorate.
“If the Najib issue is used to seek the people’s mandate, there are other, bigger issues that voters will consider,” Mohamed Khaled said during a press conference following a Maulidur Rasul celebration at Felda Air Tawar 2 here on Sunday (Sept 20).
Addressing the decision to allow Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, the Kota Tinggi MP noted that the matter fell strictly under the royal prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“The decision was made according to the Agong’s own considerations after being under deliberation for some time,” he said. “Perhaps, in His Majesty's view, now was the appropriate time.”
Mohamed Khaled added that while opposition parties will naturally exploit the ruling to sway voters, Umno's position remains clear: the party welcomes the decision and respects the constitutional authority of the King.
He also cautioned against conflating the house arrest decision with Umno's broader call for Malay political unity, maintaining that the two are separate matters.
On Friday (Sept 18), Najib was granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to a reduced fine of RM50 million.
