UMNO Shah Alam head Datuk Azhari Shaari expressed hope that the defence order issued by the High Court for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak would bring justice.
While saddened by the decision, Azhari emphasised the importance of respecting the court’s ruling and viewed it as an opportunity for Najib to defend himself.
“From the grassroots context within UMNO, most are quite saddened by this decision. However, we still respect the court’s decision, and positively, we see this as an opportunity for Datuk Seri Najib to defend himself.
“So, it is not necessarily the case that if there is a prima facie case, someone cannot be acquitted. This is an opportunity for Najib to defend himself regarding everything that has occurred under his leadership,” he said when contacted by UMNO Online.
He also believed that the trial could uncover more truths, possibly showing that Najib was wronged. The High Court had ordered Najib to enter his defence on 25 charges related to the 1Malaysia Development Bhd scandal after the prosecution successfully proved a prima facie case.
“I am confident that more things can be uncovered through this defence, which may help to open more eyes to the fact that Najib is in the right.
“We hope that through this trial, it will be fairer, more transparent, and allow for the presentation of relevant witnesses who are genuinely involved in this case, so they can benefit Datuk Seri Najib in defending himself,” he added. – Nov 9, 2024
