PUTRAJAYA: A small crowd has gathered in front of the Palace of Justice ahead of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's appeal regarding his bid for house arrest.
The group of 200 people arrived around 8am and could be heard chanting "Hidup Bossku" and "Bebas Bossku", in reference to Najib's moniker.
There is a heavy police presence around and outside the court compound.
Some Pas leaders could also be seen at the court complex, alongside some Umno leaders who came in their personal capacities.
Najib himself arrived at 8.35am.
Pas and Barisan Nasional parties had initially planned to hold a rally outside of the court room today. However, the application for the assembly was rejected due to an incomplete submission.
Subsequently, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain warned the public against taking part in any illegal gatherings seeking pardons, saying the King's royal decree on pardons must be respected.
Umno later announced it would not attend the rally in response to the King's decree and Razarudin's directive. Other BN parties, MCA and MIC also followed suit.
Pas has said it plans to go ahead with today's rally.
Najib, the former Umno president, is appealing the High Court's dismissal of his application for leave to commence a judicial review regarding an alleged addendum.
The addendum, purportedly issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, would allow Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.