KUALA LUMPUR: Those who insist on holding and continuing a rally on Jan 6 despite advice from the authorities against it represent "politics without morality," said Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
He said the pardon process for Datuk Seri Najib Razak should not be exploited as a political tool.
Using the pardon process for popularity, he said, is deeply immoral.
"If religion and ethnicity are being turned into political commodities by these groups, then so is Najib's case.
"For them, morals, laws, the constitution, national security, national unity, and religious harmony are not reasons for political engagement.
"These are merely tools to be exploited for political optics, nothing more," he said in a statement today.
Khaled said that certain political parties appear to be using Najib's pardon process as a political tool.
He described such seasonal solidarity as nauseating, especially given the past slander directed at the former Umno president.
Khaled reaffirmed Umno's unwavering commitment to fighting for justice for Najib, asserting that the party's efforts will continue and always adhere to constitutional processes.
"Many are asking why Umno cannot be separated from its former president.
"The answer is that Umno remains loyal to its former president for his contributions to the nation and its people.
"Any shortcomings or weaknesses, even if there are mistakes, cannot overshadow his immense service to the country and the people," he said.
Khaled said Umno would not marginalise those loyal to the party, especially its former president.
This, he said, is a way for the party to show solidarity with the former Pekan member of parliament.
It was reported that the "Solidarity with Datuk Seri Najib Razak" gathering is expected to take place at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on Jan 6.
Police have warned the public not to take part in any illegal gatherings or assemblies seeking for pardons, urging people to follow the proper legal channels instead.
Umno decided to cancel its attendance at the rally in response to the royal decree issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
The party, in a statement, expressed its full respect for the prerogative powers of the King as outlined in Articles 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution, which govern the procedures for seeking a pardon.
Putrajaya police today confirmed receiving an application on Dec 31 last year from the organisers of the rally.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Aidi Sham Mohamed, however, said the application was rejected due to incomplete submission.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/1156434/police-reject-najib-s...