Politically Frank: 'I support Najib's royal pardon but follow procedures, Hamzah says

KUALA LUMPUR - Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin says he supports a royal pardon for jailed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak but it must follow procedures.

In a Politically Frank interview with Sinar Daily, Hamzah said every citizen has the right to apply for a royal pardon.

"Once convicted, follow the proper procedures, don't play politics because that will create a division among the politicians and races," Hamzah said, adding that he remains close and looks up to Najib.

When asked about whether he wants to be the prime minister one day, Hamzah stayed mum.

Nonetheless, he shared his opinion onwhat makes a good prime minister.

"The most important thing to me here is whether one can be a good prime minister or not, depending on the sincerity. If everything is for the sake of the people and nation, one can be a good prime minister and will be able to govern for a number of years," Hamzah said.

"If it's just because he wants to be a prime minister, he can act forever and people will judge him once he retires," he added.

Earlier this month, Umno Supreme Council had asked the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to consider granting the former prime minister a royal pardon.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the supreme council members will also seek an audience with the King to present a memorandum to request for a pardon.

Najib was convicted in July 2020 on charges of abuse of power, money laundering and criminal breach of trust over SRC funds amounting to RM42 million.

He was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and fined RM210 million. He began serving his prison term on Aug 23, 2022, after the Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, followed by the Federal Court upholding the original conviction and sentence.