Fadhli regrets accusations of him insulting Agong

Summary

• Ahmad Fadhli Shaari regrets Amanah Youth’s police report against him, criticising the use of an inappropriate photo and linking Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s name to the issue.

• PAS leader questions Umno’s interpretation of Agong’s speech, praising Umno Youth for understanding that attending solidarity rally for Najib Abdul Razak doesn’t disrespect Agong.

• Fadhli says Amanah members are former friends in PAS, but nonetheless will consider legal action.

PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has expressed regret over accusations he had insulted the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in connection with a solidarity rally for former premier Najib Abdul Razak.

The Pasir Mas MP criticised Amanah Youth for filing a police report against him after he made a cryptic social media post - which sparked political debate - seen as a response to Umno’s decision to cancel the rally in Putrajaya tomorrow.

Fadhli also took issue with a photo of him that Amanah Youth used to announce their police report.

“I personally regret the move. My main regret is the choice of an unsuitable photo. If they wanted to use my image, it should have been one that was appropriate and professionally taken, not one with such an expression,” he said sarcastically, referring to the photo that made him appear “less handsome”.

“The second regret is to link His Majesty’s name to the issue. There was no part in his speech that forbade the Jan 6 gathering,” Fadhli said on Facebook.

Initially, both Umno and PAS were set to unite for the event to support Najib, who will attend court on Monday regarding the purported royal addendum allowing him to serve his remaining prison sentence at home.

However, after the king decreed that anyone seeking clemency for prisoners should apply to the Pardons Board and Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain urging the public to refrain from participating in related rallies, Umno cancelled its participation.

Despite this, Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh announced that he would still attend in his personal capacity.

Differing understandings

Commenting on the matter, Fadhli raised questions about differing understandings within Umno.

“Umno supposedly (backed off from the rally) based on the Agong’s speech, which they interpreted not in its true meaning.

“The clear addendum in His Majesty’s speech was ignored. This is the strange behaviour of Umno.

“Fortunately, Umno Youth declared they would attend, proving they understand that attending the rally does not equate to disrespecting the Agong,” the PAS lawmaker said.

Legal action possible

Fadhli said several lawyers advised him to consider legal action against Amanah Youth.

“I said, unless it’s with certain parties, I believe that political colleagues should not take matters to court. Moreover, they in Amanah are also my former friends in PAS. However, I must consider further action based on future developments,” he added.

Fadhli pointed out that Amanah’s primary role seemed to be defending DAP.

“This police report proves that Amanah Youth is still active. At least they have something to report in their annual meeting minutes.

“After all, if they don’t defend DAP, what else can they do?” he said.

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