SHAH ALAM - Two of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s sons expressed their disappointment with the Pardons Board for not granting their father a full pardon.
They also questioned the existence of a royal addendum that could allow Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
In a live TikTok broadcast late on Wednesday, Datuk Mohamad Nizar and Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin, Najib's sons, aired their frustration over the Pardons Board's decision not to grant their father a full pardon, similar to the one given to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The duo raised concerns about the royal addendum issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which they believed could enable their father to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Nizar, who was also the Pahang Executive Councillor for Investment, Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation, lamented the lack of clarity on the issue from both the government and Umno leaders.
"This is a deeply disappointing situation for us as a family because no one can give a definitive answer about the status of the Royal Addendum.
"I believe it exists; otherwise, how could our top leaders dare to submit affidavits?
"Our family's hope is that they will fulfil my father’s request for house arrest and we hope the public understands his situation,” he said.
The Court of Appeal set Dec 5 as the date to hear Najib’s appeal against the High Court’s earlier decision to reject his request for a judicial review to challenge the existence of the Royal Addendum.
In July, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Najib’s application, stating that the affidavits in support of the claim, including those from Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Vice President Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, were considered hearsay or rumours.
Adding to their frustration, Nazifuddin alleged that the court case concerning the tax arrears imposed on him was orchestrated by certain parties due to his connection to his father's legal troubles.
"When it hits, the whole family is affected, all at the same time, on the same day. The intention is the same; to tarnish the name and dignity of the family, just like during Ramadan when the police raided Najib's house to search for wealth, money and valuable items of his.
"Indeed, there were valuable items because he was a prime minister and many gifts were given by heads of state and friends. But to persecute him during the fasting month, displaying the items to the public to suggest he took bribes, what is the purpose?" he questioned.
In July, the Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Najib and Nazifuddin’s application to postpone bankruptcy proceedings against them for failing to settle their tax arrears of RM1.69 billion and RM37.6 million, respectively.
This was confirmed by their lawyer, Muhammad Farhan Muhammad Shafee, following the proceedings held in chambers.