Bersatu leader says party not involved in pro-Najib rally

Summary

• Bersatu supreme council member Saifuddin Abdullah says his party has yet to make an official decision on the upcoming Najib solidarity rally.

• He adds that Bersatu and other Perikatan Nasional parties have begun early preparations for the Sabah election.

• He does not rule out cooperation with Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor for polls.

Bersatu supreme council member Saifuddin Abdullah said his party is not involved in the upcoming rally in support of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Another party planned the rally and Bersatu had nothing to do with it, said the Indera Mahkota MP.

On the 1MDB scandal, he said those who committed an offence must face their legal punishment.

“In Najib’s case, we have never gathered in front of a courthouse. We have a lot of confidence in the judicial system... the same goes for the absolute right of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant pardon or legal relief,” he told a press conference in Indera Mahkota, Pahang, today.

The pro-Najib rally on Monday coincides with a court hearing regarding an alleged royal addendum that could potentially allow Najib to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest.

The planned rally has raised eyebrows, especially after PAS urged its members to attend.

PAS is currently allied with Bersatu through the opposition coalition Perikatan Nasional.

However, Saifuddin said Bersatu has yet to make an official decision as to whether it will attend the rally.

“From what I understand, the rally revolves around an addendum to the decree by the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

“Because we have not received an answer from today’s government whether the decree exists or not... if it exists, just say so... if it does not exist, then say that... because the people want to know,” he said.

Agong’s power

Saifuddin explained that the statement Istana Negara issued today is clear about the King’s power to grant pardons.

Citing the statement from the royal palace, he said Najib would have submitted an application for a pardon.

“The only question now is whether the addendum was ever issued by Sultan Abdullah while he was in office as the Agong.

“If so, why was the decree in question not followed... this issue involves the Constitution.

“Can the government disobey if the decree was issued previously?” he asked.

The Istana Negara statement today mentioned that the Agong has the power to grant pardons or provide legal relief as per Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.

It added that the power is undertaken on the advice of the Pardons Board after the submission of an application.

Sabah election

Besides that, Saifuddin said PN members, including Bersatu, have begun early preparations for the upcoming Sabah state election.

Sabah Bersatu has grown stronger, he said, pointing to Ronald Kiandee, who is from the state, and won a vice president post in the recent party election.

Two other Sabah Bersatu members are part of the supreme council too, he added.

“Besides, the political atmosphere in Sabah is quite unique and complex, even a newly formed party can win there.

“Like before, Sabah PN was launched a month before the Sabah state election and we won,” he said.

He also did not rule out the possibility of re-establishing cooperation with Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor.

“Bersatu is open in this matter. We are ready to discuss and give the people of Sabah the best offer,” Saifuddin said.

Hajiji had been dismissed from Bersatu after he announced the formation of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and his support for the current federal government.

Bersatu slams Umno for not upholding Malay, Islam rights

Sabah Bersatu deputy chief quits party to back GRS

Bersatu leader disappointed with PAS involvement in Najib rally

Sabah Bersatu wishes SAPP 'all the best' after PN exit