Ahmad Zahid Urges UMNO Members to Show Gratitude and Decorum Following Najib’s Conditional Pardon

JAKARTA, Sept 18 — UMNO members have been urged to show gratitude for the conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak while maintaining proper decorum and respecting established legal processes.

UMNO President Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the party has consistently pursued Najib’s pardon application with humility and respect through official channels from the very beginning.

Speaking to reporters after attending the Halal 20 (H20) Summit here today, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed UMNO’s dedication to foundational constitutional principles.

“Respect for the institution of the Malay Rulers, the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law will continue to be our guiding principles,” Ahmad Zahid said.

He described the decision as a deeply significant development that brings immense relief to Najib, his family, and the broader UMNO membership who have long supported him.

“With utmost humility, UMNO expresses its deepest gratitude for this development,” he added. “His Majesty’s gracious gesture brings immense relief to Najib and his family, and will always be remembered with the deepest appreciation by the entire UMNO family.”

The statement follows the announcement that His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

The decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya at Istana Negara today, according to the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department. The conditional pardon remains subject to Najib paying an RM50 million fine and adhering strictly to all conditions imposed throughout the house arrest period.

–NMT