Wan Rosdy applauds Zahid’s ‘brave’ appeal for Najib’s royal clemency

KUALA LUMPUR – Umno Vice-President Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail has reaffirmed the party’s unwavering loyalty to former prime minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak, stating that seeking justice for the jailed leader remains a core principle.

Wan Rosdy stated that he has consistently raised the issue for three consecutive years from the Umno General Assembly stage, describing it as a matter of principle rather than political convenience.

“For three years in a row, I have stood on this stage as Vice-President with a position that has never wavered: to speak about justice for Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Abdul Razak,” he said during his winding-up speech at the 2025 Umno General Assembly at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Wan Rosdy expressed that he was personally moved by Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s decision to openly appeal for royal clemency for Najib during his policy speech.

“I sincerely appreciate and am deeply touched by the bravery of the President, who openly appealed for compassion and mercy from His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Our hope is that Datuk Seri Najib may be returned to the embrace of his family and reunited with the party he built with great sacrifice,” he said.

Wan Rosdy emerged as the most outspoken among Umno’s vice-presidents regarding the party's position within the Unity Government, issuing a stern warning to component parties to respect Umno’s boundaries.

“I want to remind parties in the Unity Government to mind their words. Avoid making rude statements that hurt the hearts of Umno members,” he added, stressing that Umno has never interfered in the internal affairs of other parties and expects the same respect in return.

“We do not disturb your house; do not ever try to enter and destroy ours,” he warned, adding that Umno’s patience and tolerance have limits.

“If others treat us well, we will respond with kindness. But if anyone intends to harm us, we are capable of responding a thousand times over.”

Wan Rosdy reminded delegates that Umno remains a single political family united by a singular goal: winning elections.

He argued that victory could only be achieved by prioritising the party over personal interests, urging members to adopt a “party first” mindset.

Touching on state politics, Wan Rosdy said the Pahang leadership is fully aware of growing challenges but remains determined to retain control.

“We in Pahang are aware of the opposition’s determination to take over the state, but we will never allow it. That is why we continue to work hard to deliver our best performance to the people,” he said.