Umno, BN vow to pay serious attention to Najib's conviction

Umno and BN have highlighted the need to pay serious attention to the conviction of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak in his SRC International Sdn Bhd criminal case to ensure no interference in the judiciary system.

This is according to Umno president and BN chairperson Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (above), who was reportedly meeting Muhyiddin Yassin together with BN leaders amid speculation that Umno might mull to withdraw its support for the prime minister following Najib's guilty verdict.

Zahid dismissed the speculation, saying that Umno would defend its solidarity with its allies in BN, Muafakat Nasional(MN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"Umno/BN consider the court judgment as something that needs to be paid thorough and serious attention," he said.

The court judgment shows that Umno/BN and the PN government did not interfere in the judgment, he said.

Zahid said: "The case has yet come to an end as there is still room (for Najib, above) to obtain justice from the judiciary. Nobody should be obstructed from obtaining justice.

"We have seen in many legal and political records at home and abroad that involved politicians in court. This is not beyond political sensation.

"Umno/BN will best handle the court decision and at the same time defend the solidarity among the allies in BN, Muafakat Nasional and PN.

"The honesty, sincerity in the power-sharing, as well as friendship, remains as the main principle that will be defended (by us).

"We will continue to provide an explanation to the party members on the status of this case.

"Of course, we respect the decision meted out by the judge. However, a study needs to be done on the possible error from the legal and facts perspective."

He said Najib has the right to justice by appealing to the higher courts, as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.

"Umno/BN will ensure the fair and smooth process in obtaining justice without the element of interference from any quarter," Zahid added.

Soon after Najib's conviction, Zahid said his party will soon make a "political decision". This immediately sparked speculation that Umno, the largest party in the ruling bloc and which controls 39 parliamentary seats, might moot to pull out from PN government.

Currently, Muhyiddin's government only holds a razor-thin majority in the Dewan Rakyat, based on the voting process held on July 13 to vote out the then speaker.

Editor's note: Based on legal advice, the commenting feature for the above article has been disabled.

Bersatu expected to join Muafakat Nasional

YOURSAY | ‘Lack of remorse and show of arrogance in Najib’s family’

Shahidan dismisses ‘Umno to exit from PN’ as malicious rumour

Bersatu leader asks if Umno man expects Muhyiddin to interfere in Najib's case