KUALA LUMPUR – Even if there are parties who choose not to express sympathy towards Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his family over the Addendum Order, it is inappropriate to inflame the situation or heighten tensions in these sensitive circumstances, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While urging all parties to handle the issue with patience and wisdom, the Prime Minister stressed that the government remains firmly committed to the principles of upholding the rule of law and the separation of powers.
“The judiciary must and will continue to remain free from any external influence, and it is on this principle that I respect the decision made by the judge.
“Therefore, based on the principle of the rule of law, all parties should respect the decision made by the judge, including the available legal avenues and channels to file appeals, as well as petitions to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in accordance with existing legal provisions,” he said in a statement today.
On Monday, the High Court dismissed Najib’s application for judicial review regarding the alleged addendum order that purportedly allowed the former Prime Minister to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Judge Alice Loke Yee Ching made the decision after finding that the addendum order was neither discussed nor decided during the 61st Pardons Board meeting on Jan 29, 2024.
Following the decision, Najib must serve the remainder of his sentence at Kajang Prison.
However, a statement by Puchong Member of Parliament Yeo Bee Yin, who openly celebrated the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision, sparked anger among Umno leaders, who described it as inappropriate, rude, reflective of political arrogance, and insensitive.
Among those who criticised the statement were Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Akmal Saleh, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
In fact, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reminded certain parties “not to pour oil on a raging fire”.
In response, Dr Akmal called on all delegates to raise the issue of Umno withdrawing from the Unity Government at the Umno General Assembly (PAU), scheduled to be held this January. – December 23, 2025