Pressing ahead with Jan 6 demo is 'politics without morality': Umno veep

Summary

• Umno vice president Mohamed Khaled Nordin criticises groups proceeding with the Jan 6 rally, calling it unethical to use Najib Abdul Razak’s pardon process as political capital.

• Khaled reaffirms Umno’s commitment to justice for Najib while respecting the monarchy and constitutional processes.

• PAS and other groups are planning to attend the rally despite being cancelled by its organiser Umno.

Umno vice president Mohamed Khaled Nordin has chastised those who intend to press ahead with the pro-Najib rally on Monday, in light of a decree from Istana Negara and a warning from the police.

He said such groups are merely taking advantage of former Umno president Najib Abdul Razak’s pardon process as political capital and found such “seasonal solidarity” to be deeply distasteful.

Khaled (above) said this is especially true when considering the slander they previously hurled against the former Umno president.

“Najib’s pardon process is not political capital for any party. Using it as a means to gain popularity is highly unethical.

“For this reason, Umno respects the wisdom of the monarchy and will always act in accordance with the Constitution.

“Those insisting that the Jan 6 rally is legitimate and proceeding with it, despite advice from authorities, are engaging in ‘politics without morality’,” he said in a statement today.

Follow rules

The rally originally being organised by Umno was to be held in conjunction with a court hearing regarding Najib’s bid to compel to government to disclose whether there is a supplementary order by the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Pahang ruler Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, for Najib to serve his remaining jail sentence under house arrest.

If so, he is also seeking a court order compelling the government to carry out the former king’s orders.

However, Istana Negara under the current Yang di-Pertuan Agong Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar issued a reminder that anyone seeking clemency for a prisoner should submit an application to the Pardons Board, whose meetings will be chaired by the king.

It echoed a similar statement by the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) last week, which said the pardon process must follow proper procedures to avoid the king’s decisions based on the Pardons Board’s advice being challenged in court.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain urged members of the public yesterday not to take part in any rallies about the king’s right to pardon prisoners.

Different strokes

Following these developments, Umno has cancelled its plans to hold the rally.

Despite the cancellation, PAS – which earlier announced its participation in the rally – said it will still show up outside the Palace of Justice as planned.

Malay groups Perkasa and Gerakan Pembela Ummah also intend to join the rally and have criticised Umno for backing out.

Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh also announced that he would attend in his personal capacity.

Despite the rally’s cancellation, Khaled said the party’s commitment to ensuring justice for Najib remains clear and unwavering.

However, he said this must be done within the boundaries of the law.

“Whatever shortcomings or weaknesses may exist, even if there are errors, they cannot overshadow his (Najib’s) immense service to the country and its people.

“Umno will not abandon those loyal to it, let alone a former president,” he added.

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