AN appeal for the full release of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak was formally voiced at the UMNO Youth General Assembly 2025, with representatives urging Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, to consider granting a full pardon on compassionate grounds.
The appeal was delivered by Pahang UMNO Youth representative and Pekan division youth chief Mohd Fakhrul Akhmal Mohamed, who said the plea reflected the sentiments of the Pekan parliamentary constituency and the wider grassroots.
“We wish to seek Your Majesty’s compassion and mercy, that Your Majesty may grant full freedom to our leader Datuk Seri Najib Razak,” he said during his debate at the assembly held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.
“’Ampun Tuanku’ Sultan Ibrahim, a dignified and authoritative King.’ Ampun Tuanku’, your humble servant begs that the immediate release of Datuk Seri Najib be considered,” he added.
Mohd Fakhrul Akhmal said UMNO Youth had exhausted all other avenues and described the appeal to the King as a final hope.
“We have tried everything. I myself no longer know what else can be done. I hope this appeal at the end of my speech will be granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.
He also called on UMNO members to reflect on the legacy of Najib’s father, the late Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, noting that the 50th anniversary of the former prime minister’s passing was marked just a day earlier.
“Yesterday marked 50 years since the passing of Allahyarham Tun Razak. Together, we must fight for Tun Razak’s legacy, especially in defending Najib for as long as we have life and strength. This is the only way we can repay Tun Razak’s services to UMNO and the nation,” he said.
In a related intervention, Johor UMNO Youth spokesperson Fauzi Faizal urged party members to continue praying for Najib’s full release, citing his contributions to the country.
“So many of his services to the nation cannot be repaid. It weighs heavily on our hearts to see someone who has contributed so much confined behind prison bars,” said Fauzi, who is also Tebrau UMNO Youth chief.
“How can we erase the contributions of a leader who has done so much for our country. Johor UMNO Youth stands behind the ‘Bosku’ family and will continue to pray,” he added.
Media reports yesterday said UMNO president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to outline the party’s next steps regarding Najib in his keynote address at the general assembly. - January 15, 2026
