KUALA LUMPUR – Senior Umno figures expressed their outrage today at their DAP counterparts in the Madani government following comments made about Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s unsuccessful attempt to secure house arrest.
The backlash has fuelled growing speculation that Umno, a key partner in the unity government, might withdraw its support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The tensions underscore the deepening rift between two former adversaries now bound together in a fragile political alliance – Umno and DAP.
Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quick to warn against escalating the dispute, posting a cautionary message on Facebook: “Jangan menyimbah minyak pada api yang sedang marak” (“Don’t pour oil on an already raging fire”).
The controversy erupted after Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin posted a comment on social media, saying: “Another reason to celebrate this year”).
The post was widely seen as a response to the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s rejection of Najib’s judicial review application concerning the “titah adendum,” which was alleged to allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki condemned Yeo’s statement as “amat kurang ajar, melampau dan langsung tidak berperikemanusian” (“extremely rude, excessive, and utterly inhumane”).
He argued that if Yeo could not show any sympathy, she should refrain from making hurtful comments, especially when directed at a former leader so beloved by Umno members, who are now part of the unity government.
Asyraf warned that Umno might have to reassess its cooperation with DAP if the sacrifices and contributions of the party continue to be ignored.
Barisan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir also criticised Yeo’s reaction, pointing out that it was inappropriate considering the personal suffering involved.
“Why celebrate? Don’t rejoice in the suffering of others. Life is cyclical. Remember, your leaders are not infallible either.”
Earlier, Justice Alice Loke Yee Ching ruled that the titah adendum had never been discussed or decided upon in the Pardons Board meeting held on January 29 last year.
The court ordered Najib to continue serving his sentence in Kajang Prison. His lawyer, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, confirmed that Najib was disappointed with the decision and would explore further legal options.
Umno’s response was swift and fierce. Datuk Razlan Rafii, political secretary to Zahid, described Yeo’s post as “sangat kurang ajar” (“extremely disrespectful”) and warned of the potential for Malay unity to rise up against “kezaliman dan hasutan” (“oppression and provocation”).
Zahid’s daughter, Nurulhidayah Ahmad Zahid, was equally incensed, saying: “Penat kerja dengan samapah DAP jenis ini” (“I’m tired of working with this kind of DAP trash”).
Umno Youth chief Dr. Akmal Salleh went even further, calling for Umno to withdraw its support for Anwar Ibrahim’s government. “What else are we waiting for? Let’s withdraw support from this government. Better to be an honourable opposition than to be insulted by these ignorant people!” he declared.
Subang Umno division chief Armand Azha Abu Hanifah also issued a strong rebuke, warning that political cooperation should not be used as a licence for disrespect.
“Political cooperation within the government is not a licence to be rude. It is not a ticket to trample on the feelings of others, nor an excuse to lose basic manners and humanity. If you can’t respect others’ positions, don’t expect us to stay silent,” he said.
While Yeo’s post drew sharp condemnation from Umno, PKR’s Subang MP Wong Chen welcomed the court’s decision with a brief message: “Long live justice”.
In her ruling, Justice Loke emphasised that the addendum did not comply with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, deeming it invalid. – December 22, 2025