Umno accuses Pakatan Harapan of double standards over Najib’s pardon bid
Najib Abdul Razak's latest clemency request to the Federal Territories Pardons Board has ignited a dispute between UMNO and Pakatan Harapan. UMNO’s Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the coalition’s stance on the Malay rulers’ constitutional powers reveals a double standard, pointing to the 2018 royal pardon of Anwar Ibrahim. He warned that pressuring the king would betray the constitution, while Pakatan Harapan youth treasurer Lim Chun Weng defended the rule of law and rejected the comparison. The Pardons Board meeting, chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, is set for Friday.
Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak has filed another application for clemency with the Federal Territories Pardons Board, prompting a fresh clash between UMNO and Pakatan Harapan within Malaysia’s unity government. UMNO secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki accused the coalition of “indirectly exposing its true colours” by questioning the constitutional authority of the Malay rulers and by applying a different standard to Najib’s case than to the 2018 royal pardon granted to Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that UMNO respects the king’s powers and warned against any attempts to influence the institution. Pakatan Harapan youth treasurer Lim Chun Weng rebutted the claim, saying the rule of law should not be twisted into a debate over royal prerogatives and that Najib’s case cannot be equated with Anwar’s. Sources say Attorney-General and Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh is expected to oppose further clemency for Najib, while Prime Minister Anwar plans to meet the king before the board convenes. The board, chaired by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, will consider the request on Friday.
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