‘There are always two sides’: Yana on Najib house arrest backlash

KOTA LAKSAMANA – Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's daughter, Nooryana Najwa, says her family is taking public criticism and differing reactions to her father's house arrest with an open mind, acknowledging that people are entitled to their own opinions.

Better known as Yana Najib, she said it was natural for a decision involving a prominent political figure such as her father to attract both support and opposition.

However, the Umno Puteri Information Chief stressed that, as a family, their priority was to see Najib safely return home after years of hoping for the opportunity.

"I think it is normal for an issue like this to attract differing reactions, with some supporting it while others may be against it. There are always two sides to the story.

"As a daughter, we have been praying for this moment for a very long time. As a member of Barisan Nasional (BN), what we want to see is our laws upheld and the Royal Institution respected, as the power to grant a pardon is the King's prerogative and something we cannot question.

"We take the reactions with an open mind, but ultimately, what matters to us as a family is that he is home and safe,” she said.

Yana told Sinar Daily this when met at a restaurant in Kota Laksamana, Melaka, during the 16th Melaka state election campaign.

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's daughter, Nooryana Najwa.

Najib was granted a conditional pardon in September, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence in the SRC International case under house arrest.

On Nov 10, the Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that the former prime minister could serve the remainder of his sentence at his Langgak Duta residence, with immediate effect.

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 14 as polling day for the 16th Melaka state election, following the dissolution of the 28-seat State Legislative Assembly on Sept 23.

Nomination day was held on Oct 31, while early voting took place on Nov 10. The 14-day campaigning period will end at 11.59pm on Nov 13.

A total of 79 candidates are contesting all 28 state constituencies, with a coalition requiring at least 15 seats to secure a simple majority and form the state government.