Bersatu Won’t Prohibit Members from Attending Najib’s Solidarity Rally
Wanita Bersatu Chief Confident Party Leaders Will Attend Jan 6 Rally
Petalings Jaya: Bersatu will not prevent its members from taking part in a PAS-led rally in support of Najib Razak on January 6, said its Wanita chief, Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
Party Leadership Open to Solidarity Rally
Mas Ermieyati stated that the party leadership is open to anyone joining the solidarity rally for the former prime minister, who is imprisoned after being convicted of corruption. "Bersatu leaders have not issued any specific order prohibiting members from participating in the rally," she told FMT.
Confidence in Party Leaders’ Attendance
Mas Ermieyati expressed confidence that there will be Bersatu leaders attending the rally, and she herself does not rule out the possibility of joining to show solidarity. "If the supplementary decree truly exists, it must be upheld and implemented by the prime minister and the government in line with our country’s legal process," she added.
Umno and PAS Leaders Praise Rally
Umno Supreme Council member Puad Zarkashi praised PAS for organizing the rally and said that the party would be "very grateful" if the event attracted a large crowd. "Hopefully, Malaysians, including other political parties like PKR, DAP and Bersatu, will also join in to show solidarity," he said. "Even though Najib is the former Umno president, this is not an issue that only affects Umno. This is about honouring the institution of the Malay rulers and justice."
PAS Secretary-General’s Message
In a memorandum yesterday, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan urged party members to attend the rally and send a "clear signal to the government" about the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Background of the Case
On February 2 this year, the Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, announced that Najib’s prison sentence in his SRC International case had been halved from 12 years to six, and his fine reduced from RM210 million to RM50 million. Najib is currently serving his sentence at Kajang prison.
Court of Appeal Hearing
The Court of Appeal will on January 6 hear his application for leave to adduce fresh evidence in his appeal to serve the remainder of his jail term under house arrest, which he claims was issued in a supplementary decree to the February 2 announcement. Najib previously said the FTPB did not announce the terms of the supplementary decree, and that the government was in contempt for not complying with it. He wants the court to compel the government to execute the supplementary decree, if it exists, by placing him under house arrest.
Conclusion
The rally, scheduled to take place on January 6, is expected to attract a large crowd, with several political parties and leaders expressing their support for Najib’s cause. While the outcome of the Court of Appeal hearing is uncertain, one thing is clear: the solidarity rally is a testament to the importance of upholding the rule of law and the institution of the Malay rulers.
FAQs
Q: Will Bersatu prohibit its members from attending the rally?
A: No, Bersatu will not prohibit its members from attending the rally.
Q: Who is the organizer of the solidarity rally?
A: The rally is organized by PAS.
Q: What is the purpose of the rally?
A: The rally aims to show solidarity with Najib Razak and uphold the institution of the Malay rulers and justice.
Q: What is the current status of Najib’s case?
A: Najib is currently serving his sentence at Kajang prison, and his case is pending at the Court of Appeal.