Amanah apologises to Umno over Najib's pardon statement

PUTRAJAYA - Amanah has apologised to Umno over the statement made by its Communications director Khalid Samad on the royal pardon of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Its deputy president Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said the apology was made as it had offended their party members in the unity government.

“In conjunction with this Raya, I on behalf of Amanah apologise for the statement issued by the Communications director if the statement had offended or hurt Umno.

“What’s important is to strengthen our position in the government. We are currently busy solving the people’s issue along ahead of state elections.

“We are committed to strengthening the machinery, brotherhood, party strength with the unity government,” he told reporters after the deputy prime minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s Raya Open House held at the DPM’s official residence in Sri Satria here on Sunday.

On Sunday, Khalid said Umno should show respect for Amanah’s stance on Najib's royal pardon.

Khalid said the upholidng principles of respect and agreement to preserve the unity of the country should be given priority over differences in opinion on specific issues, including the release of the former Umno president.

Khalid added Amanah appealed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to reject Najib’s pardon application who is currently serving a 12 year jail.

However, Salahuddin expressed his hoped the issue could be solved and that he was willing to meet the Umno president and its deputy.

He stressed the importance of solving the problem in good terms in the interest of national unity and the people.