FORMER prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is currently serving a prison sentence, can only be released through a royal pardon granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution.
UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stressed that Najib’s release cannot be decided through an election.
He therefore urged all parties to conduct their campaigns for the Johor state election responsibly and refrain from using Najib’s name as campaign material.
His remarks came in response to a strong narrative from PH, which has linked the Johor state election to an alleged attempt to secure Najib’s release.
Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed the Johor state election was called because certain parties wanted to return to power in order to free the former premier.
Insisting that the election was unnecessary at this time, Anwar said it was triggered by those who believed they were strong enough to regain control of the federal government.
“There was no need for an election now, yet they insisted on having one. Why? We now know the reason. They believe they are strong enough to return to power as before, and of course, they want to free Najib,” he said during a PH mega ceramah at the Serom state constituency in Johor.
“My colleagues in PH and I were dragged into contesting this election,” Anwar added.
It is worth noting that Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib, the jailed former prime minister’s son, recently said that a landslide BN victory in the 11 July Johor state election would signal that the rakyat still support his father and want him to receive a royal pardon.
His statement has since, been turned into political salvo by PH which PN is attempting to neutralise.—July 7, 2026
Main image: malaysiaworldnews.com
