PM ready to discuss royal addendum with Umno leaders

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he is ready to discuss the royal addendum involving his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak with Umno leaders to preserve harmony.

However, he reminded all quarters that the matter is now being deliberated in court, stressing he would not supersede the judiciary.

“Many Umno division chiefs raised the issue (royal addendum) and called for a meeting with me, seeking its execution.

“But I have mentioned to the Umno president, his deputy, and their party leadership that I’m ready to hold talks with them, explain the matter if needed, and do what is right to preserve harmony,” Berita Harian reported him as saying today.

Yesterday, 160 out of 191 Umno division chiefs urged Anwar to execute the royal order without further delay, which would allow Najib to serve the rest of his jail sentence under house arrest.

Wangsa Maju Umno division chief Shafei Abdullah reminded the government that the Pahang palace confirmed the existence of the document in a letter dated Jan 4, in addition to the Court of Appeal’s verdict on Jan 6.

He also criticised former attorney-general Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, accusing the latter of hiding the addendum for over a year.

“The action had also sullied the Agong and Malay rulers’ discretionary powers, in addition to denying justice to Najib.

“So, we urge the prime minister to take full responsibility and ensure the addendum order is executed, as consented by the previous Agong.

“There is no reason to delay the matter any longer,” Shafei added.

Pahang palace confirms document

On Jan 6, Najib’s counsel Shafee Abdullah tabled a letter from the Pahang palace before the Court of Appeal, confirming that the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, had issued a royal addendum concerning the house arrest for Najib.

On Jan 11, Anwar acknowledged that the attorney-general (AG) did receive a letter regarding the royal addendum.

However, he said that after the letter was received, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong changed, and the AG submitted the letter to Istana Negara to allow the newly appointed Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, to make a decision.

“The decision (addendum) was sent to the AG… not to me… not to members of the Pardons Board.

“And the AG, when the new Agong was installed, (the AG) sent to Istana Negara as the king chairs it (the Pardons Board).

“That’s the situation… we didn’t hide anything,” Anwar added.

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