Umno hopes Najib’s pardon bid will be considered next round as delegates rally

Friday 16 Oct 2026

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KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 11): Umno hopes that Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application will be considered at the next round after the jailed former prime minister’s bid was deferred on Friday.

The party will continue pursuing all avenues permitted under the law to ensure Najib receives fair consideration, said Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. The party’s efforts for its former president were not intended to challenge institutions or the legal process, he noted.

“Umno understands the anxiety and disappointment of party members and members of the public who have long awaited developments on this matter," he said in a statement.

However, Umno calls on all parties to remain calm, respect the institution of the Malay Rulers and refrain from any action that could undermine the ongoing process, Asyraf Wajdi said.

Earlier on Friday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim deferred a decision on Najib’s application to an unspecified future meeting after chairing the Pardons Board meeting.

The Pardons Board, chaired by the King, rarely meets and there is no fixed calendar for a meeting.

“We will continue our efforts through constitutional and legal channels, and legitimate institutions, until all processes concerning Najib receive due consideration,” Asyraf Wajdi said.

The postponement drew multiple responses from delegates at Umno’s general assembly of Friday, where some speakers expressed solidarity with Najib and urged members to remain patient.

“A short postponement is all right. Hopefully, there is wisdom behind it,” Parit Sulong Umno division vice-chief Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said. He also called on members who appreciated Najib’s contributions to continue praying for him, expressing hope for a favourable outcome.

Tampin Umno division chief Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa urged Najib using the former prime minister’s popular nickname “bossku” to remain patient, and expressed sympathy for his family.

Najib’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and daughter Nooryana Najwa Najib were also present at the gathering.

“We respect the law, the institutions and all ongoing processes. But justice must also be accompanied by reasonableness and humanity,” Puteri Umno executive council member Nadhirah Afiqah Abdul Rahim said, adding that the wing stood with the party in solidarity with Najib.

Najib is currently serving a reduced six-year jail term from August 2022; his fine was also reduced to RM50 million. He was found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving 1MDB’s former subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd.

The sentence was reduced by the Pardons Board in 2024.

He was subsequently sentenced to another 15 years’ imprisonment in December 2025 after being convicted for a more serious crime at 1MDB, although he is appealing against the decision. The sentence is to run after he finishes his SRC jail term in August 2028.

Edited ByJason Ng

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