KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Najib Razak has distanced himself from a group petitioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to pardon his past conviction and ongoing trials, describing it as a move from interested parties to get one over him.
The former prime minister said he is unaware of the petition submitted to Istana Negara earlier today, maintaining his intention to undergo due process with respect to his ongoing court cases.
“Let me repeat. I want my cases to go through a fair and transparent trial and legal process, because it is the only way for me to clear my name.
“I don’t want my cases to be dropped just like that, and I don’t want any political interference,” he said in a Facebook post today.
“I am extremely confident that I am innocent. What is the need for me to be pardoned if I am not guilty? Berani kerana benar.”
Najib had been earlier found guilty in July 2017 for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering by pocketing RM42 million in funds originating from government-owned SRC International Sdn Bhd.
The Pekan MP has already submitted an appeal and is awaiting court verdict.
Separately, Najib is also facing trials for misappropriating RM2.6 billion from another government-owned company 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and for tampering with a government audit report on its state investment arm.
Earlier today, a group calling itself Pertubuhan Sahabat Ulul Amri Malaysia (PSUAM) had petitioned the Agong to pardon Najib, paving the way for the Pekan MP to become interim prime minister.
Its chairman Syed Muhammad Imran Syed Abdul Aziz said this is in view of the failure of the current government to manage the country amid the Covid-19 health crisis.
He also pointed to Najib’s “impressive” leadership in overseeing the country as sixth prime minister.
“I, as the leader of a non-governmental organisation, suggest that Your Majesty grant a royal pardon to Najib from whatever past convictions or ongoing trials,” he had said.
Sharing a screenshot of a news report by Malaysia Now carrying the petition, Najib said it is clear who is behind the move, describing the media agency as a “Perikatan Nasional” portal.
“I am grateful to this NGO (PSUAM) for caring about me, but I have never been in contact with them and was never told about their petition to the palace.”
In the screenshot of the news article, Najib also included in red the words “Thanks, but no thanks!” – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
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