BUKIT MERTAJAM – More senior Umno leaders are urging the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to enforce an addendum decree allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, though the party has yet to make a formal request to the palace.
Umno vice-president Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said that multiple state party chapters are now appealing for His Majesty’s compassion, following confirmation from the Attorney-General that the addendum document exists.
He added that there was a significant number of Umno state chapters that have issued statements on the matter.
“We can push the prime minister (to request enforcement of the addendum), but we are asking for the favour of His Majesty,” he said at the sidelines of the Bukit Mertajam Umno division meeting at The Light Hotel in Seberang Jaya today.
However, when asked whether Umno’s top leadership would formally seek an audience with the King, Wan Rosdy admitted that the matter had yet to be discussed.
His remarks came a day after Umno Veterans secretary Datuk Mustapha Yaakub reportedly pleaded with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to present the government’s consent for the King to enforce the order.
On Friday, Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki issued a statement appealing to the monarch to enact the order, citing His Majesty’s powers under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution.
“It is hoped that His Majesty would allow Datuk Seri Najib Razak to get a reduced sentence, which has been delayed for more than a year,” said Asyraf.
According to court proceedings, the Federal Court was informed on July 9 that Attorney-General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar had acknowledged the existence of the addendum, dated January 29, 2024.
Senior federal counsel Shamsul Bolhassan said Dusuki confirmed the document’s existence on July 2, though he is disputing its authenticity and legal validity.
Najib, who is serving a 12-year sentence related to the SRC International scandal, is now seeking for the government to honour the alleged addendum issued by former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Separately, Wan Rosdy, who is also the Pahang Menteri Besar, urged Umno grassroots to remain united and support leadership decisions regarding candidate selections ahead of upcoming elections.
“It is important that we act like party men. Our party, in my opinion, is good, well-structured and can clearly champion the Malays, Islam and the country – in accordance with the Federal Constitution.
“…and this should be understood by the party members,” he said, calling on Umno to align itself with the people to strengthen public support. – July 13, 2025