KUALA LUMPUR - Umno should reconsider its position in the unity government if it believes that developments surrounding the addendum decree involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak are a serious matter that contradicts the party’s long-standing struggle to uphold the sovereignty of the Malay Rulers.
Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah said the party leaders should also consider stepping down from the authority or positions they currently hold within the unity government on the same principle.
The former Gua Musang MP said such a move was necessary for Umno to reclaim its strength and influence in national politics, rather than relying on other political parties.
“Umno has its own laws and Constitution that we should respect, follow and obey.
“If not, then Umno’s struggle all these years would be meaningless if it is merely for the sake of comfortable seats (positions),” he said during a press conference at his residence today.
He also questioned why the Umno top leadership has yet to hold a high-level meeting to deliberate on the Royal Adendum case involving Najib.
He said Umno leaders must actively pursue efforts and initiatives to resolve Najib’s detention in a manner that is acceptable to all parties, instead of leaving the burden solely on the former prime minister.
“We question why this meeting has not taken place for Umno leaders to review their position (in the unity government) following the court’s decision.
“This meeting is necessary so that Umno can discuss the decisions that need to be made as a party that helped form the current government, because without the support of Umno MPs, the government today would not exist,” he said.
He added that Umno leaders must also take concrete steps, including appealing for a royal pardon for Najib from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, who has the absolute power, authority and prerogative to grant it at his discretion and on humanitarian grounds.
In this context, he also urged Umno members at the branch and division levels to speak up rather than remain silent and to express their dissatisfaction and frustration over what he described as the central leadership’s lack of effort to secure Najib’s pardon.