KUALA LUMPUR – Umno should reassess its position in the Unity Government if it believes the developments surrounding the titah adendum involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak contradict the party’s long‑held commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty of the Malay rulers.
Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, also known as Ku Li, said party leaders must also be prepared to relinquish the positions they currently hold.
“This is to ensure Umno regains its power and influence in national politics and is no longer dependent on any other political party.
“Umno has its own laws and Constitution that we should respect, follow and obey. If not, there is no meaning to Umno’s struggle all this while if it is only because of cushy seats,” he said at a press conference here on Wednesday.
Tengku Razaleigh, who is also Gua Musang Umno Division Chief, reiterated that the party must seriously reconsider its role in the Unity Government if it views the titah adendum issue as fundamentally at odds with its principles.
He stressed that Umno leaders should be willing to step aside for the same reason, arguing that the party must reclaim its political footing without relying on external partners.
He also questioned why Umno’s top leadership had yet to convene a high‑level meeting to discuss the matter.
According to him, the party should be actively seeking a collective resolution regarding Najib’s imprisonment rather than leaving the former prime minister to shoulder the burden alone.
“We are wondering why this meeting has not taken place for Umno leaders to review their position (in the Unity Government) following the court’s decision.
“This meeting is so that Umno can discuss the decisions that need to be made as a party that helped form the current government, which would not exist without the support of Umno MPs,” he said.
Tengku Razaleigh added that Umno leaders must also explore avenues for seeking a royal pardon for Najib, noting that the Yang di‑Pertuan Agong holds the absolute prerogative to grant it based on discretion and humanitarian considerations.
He urged Umno members at the branch and divisional levels not to remain silent, but instead express their disappointment over what he described as the lack of initiative from the party’s central leadership in pursuing efforts for Najib’s pardon. – December 24, 2025