Thousands expected to gather in solidarity with Najib

Summary

• At least 5,000 people are expected to attend a rally in support of Najib Abdul Razak during his court hearing on Monday.

• Perkasa president Syed Hassan Syed Ali downplays safety concerns, arguing that police can manage the crowd and questions why a 5,000-strong rally should be objected to.

At least 5,000 are expected to gather in solidarity with former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak during his court hearing on Monday.

Perkasa president Syed Hassan Syed Ali stated that those attending are keen to witness this historic event.

“(We believe) all Malay NGOs will show their support. Around 5,000 NGOs and individuals are expected to attend on Monday,” he said briefly.

The rally supporting Najib is anticipated to coincide with his court hearing, addressing the purported royal addendum allowing the former premier to serve his remaining prison term at home.

Syed Hassan further downplayed concerns over public safety, noting that police could manage the crowd.

“Why object to a gathering of 5,000 to 6,000 when thousands joined New Year’s Eve celebrations?

“People want to witness the decision - who is in the right? Is it the government, the palace, or Najib’s side? Don’t block it,” he said.

Palace officials criticised

His remarks came after Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain urged the public to avoid rallies about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s authority to pardon prisoners.

While Razarudin didn’t explicitly mention Najib’s rally, his statement appeared directed at it.

In response, Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki announced the cancellation of the party’s planned rally.

Separately, Syed Hassan criticised palace officials for allegedly failing to advise the Agong on the royal addendum.

“Why didn’t the palace issue a statement earlier? If I am not mistaken, there was a three-month gap between the former Agong’s alleged addendum and Najib’s family seeking clarification.

“The delay caused public confusion. I’m not blaming the palace but its officials for failing to advise Tuanku properly,” he said.

On Friday, Istana Negara clarified that clemency requests must be submitted to the Pardons Board.

This came after Najib’s son, Nizar, filed an affidavit claiming that Pahang ruler and former Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had confirmed the addendum’s existence.

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