KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 3): Umno has cancelled its plan to join the rally in solidarity with incarcerated former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Jan 6, following a royal decree and an advisory from the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

In a statement issued late on Friday, Umno Secretary-General Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the party respects the prerogative of Yang di-Pertuan Agong regarding the constitutional procedure to grant clemency under Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.

"In upholding the royal decree of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and in accordance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Umno has decided not to proceed with the rally on Jan 6, 2025," the statement read.

"Umno has full confidence in the grace and wisdom of Yang di-Pertuan Agong in delivering full justice to Datuk Seri Najib Razak," it added.

Asyraf also said Umno will follow the proper legal channels for any clemency application concerning Najib.

Earlier, the National Palace issued a royal decree, saying that any prisoner seeking clemency or a reduction in one’s sentence must submit an application to the Pardons Board for consideration.

According to the palace, the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant pardons, reprieve and respite for offences committed is exercised with the advice of the board, which is chaired by the king.

Following that, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain issued a statement to urge the public to respect the constitutional processes and refrain from participating in rallies organised by any parties. 

The rally on Jan 6 was planned to show solidarity to Najib, who will attend a hearing at the Court of Appeal here of his appeal over the High Court's dismissal of his application for a judicial review involving an alleged royal addendum issued by the previous king that purportedly allowed Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

Najib is currently serving a reduced six-year jail term and a RM50 million fine for charges linked to SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd. He had previously received a partial royal pardon last year, reducing his original 12-year sentence and RM210 million fine.

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