Umno Leaders Meet to Discuss Disputed Order for Najib’s House Arrest
Meeting Expected to Focus on Najib’s Jail Sentence
Umno leaders are meeting in Kuala Lumpur tonight to discuss a disputed order for its former president and prime minister Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his jail sentence under house arrest. The meeting comes days after Najib obtained leave to begin judicial review proceedings to compel the government to place him under house arrest in accordance with a royal order said to have been issued as an addendum to a pardons board decision in February.
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chairing a meeting of the Umno Supreme Council in Kuala Lumpur tonight. With him are deputy president Mohamad Hasan (left) and secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. (Bernama pic)
Other Agenda Items Include Sabah State Assembly Elections
Another item on the agenda is believed to be the forthcoming elections to the Sabah state assembly, which must be held by December 6. The elections are viewed as being a test of the relationship between parties in the unity government.
Uncertainty Surrounds Addendum Discussion
An Umno source, who did not wish to be named, said, however, it was unsure what aspects of the addendum would be discussed.
Najib’s Request for House Arrest
Najib’s lawyer submitted to the High Court a letter from the Pahang palace confirming the existence of the addendum. However, government officials have stated that the pardons board had not received an order for house arrest from Istana Negara.
Umno President’s Plea for Full Pardon
Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has since asked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant Najib a full pardon over his conviction and prison sentence in the SRC International case. In February, the pardons board commuted Najib’s sentence, reducing his 12-year jail term to six years and a RM250 million fine to RM50 million.
Conclusion
The meeting of Umno leaders is expected to be a significant event, with discussions focusing on the disputed order for Najib’s house arrest and the forthcoming Sabah state assembly elections. The outcome of the meeting will have a significant impact on the future of Najib and the unity government.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the Umno meeting?
+ The meeting is expected to focus on the disputed order for Najib’s house arrest and the forthcoming Sabah state assembly elections.
* Who is Najib Razak?
+ Najib Razak is the former president and prime minister of Umno.
* What is the background of the disputed order for Najib’s house arrest?
+ The order is believed to have been issued as an addendum to a pardons board decision in February, but government officials have stated that the pardons board had not received an order for house arrest from Istana Negara.
* What is the current status of Najib’s sentence?
+ Najib’s sentence was commuted in February, reducing his 12-year jail term to six years and a RM250 million fine to RM50 million.