Umno divided over Najib’s Royal Addendum, but no internal conflict - Umno Division Chief

SHAH ALAM – The differing opinions within Umno regarding the Royal Addendum involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak have not led to internal conflict within the party.

Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) Commissioner Datuk Hasnal Rezua Merican stated that one faction calls for more aggressive action regarding the decree for Najib's justice, while another faction sympathises with Umno members' position in the Unity Government due to the power-sharing arrangement.

According to the Selayang Umno Division Chief, most of the criticism surrounding the addendum issue has focused on Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.

“This addendum issue does not directly implicate Umno members holding positions in government, but Azalina’s name is frequently mentioned.

“Although she was one of the recipients of the inquiry submitted by Najib's lawyers, her role was limited to preparing a secretariat—the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU, JPM)—in terms of venue, documents and such. It just so happens that the matter falls under her ministry," he said.

He added that Azalina is not part of the Pardons Board and cannot compel the Attorney General or other ministers to respond to her due to a lack of authority.

“Because she is the Law Minister, her name became embroiled in the issue, drawing attacks from both Umno members and non-members alike,” he added.

On Jan 6, Najib's defence team informed the Court of Appeal that the Royal Addendum permitting the former prime minister to serve the remaining six years of his prison sentence under house arrest was allegedly hidden from the public.

Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah revealed that the order existed and was personally signed by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He further stated that Najib’s eldest son, Datuk Mohamad Nizar confirmed the existence of the Royal Addendum from the Pahang Palace.

Shafee also read a letter from the Pahang Royal Council, dated Jan 4, addressed to Nizar, who is also a member of the Pahang State Executive Council.

Recently, Azalina, who is also Umno’s information chief, urged all parties especially Umno members not to speculate about the Royal Addendum to avoid the risk of sub judice.

She clarified that the matter should be referred back to the High Court following the recent Court of Appeal decision.

To this, Hasnal opined that Azalina should have issued a clarification earlier to clear her name from public or political scrutiny.

“This is because she was not the recipient of the decree and has no capacity to implement it.

"The actions of Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail in submitting affidavits have somewhat alleviated the concerns of Umno members.

“They felt that the root of the issue stemmed from Zahid and because of his role, he was seen as taking appropriate measures. Thus, in terms of Umno's internal strife, it’s not significant,” he added.