INCARCERATED former prime minister Najib Razak’s name was included in the list of potential candidates for the Pekan parliamentary constituency for the upcoming general election. 

Pekan Umno division deputy chief Zamri Ramly confirmed this, saying Najib is among the five candidates nominated by the division. 

Zamri said they have no plans to name any of Najib’s children as candidates for the seat and claimed that the seat will be returned to Najib if the latter gets a pardon. 

“There are no plans to place Najib’s children to contest the Pekan seat even if the former is not eligible to compete. 

“Instead, whoever is chosen will return the seat to Najib if he gets a pardon,” Zamri was quoted saying by Utusan Malaysia. 

Najib has held the Pekan seat for 10 terms. 

Zamri did not reveal the other four names. 

Although Najib’s children, Nizar and Nooryana Najwa, were not nominated as candidates for the Pekan parliamentary seat, he said Nizar, who is Pekan Umno Youth chief, has been nominated for a state seat in the Pekan constituency. 

The Pekan parliamentary constituency is made up of four state seats – Chini, Bebar, Peramu Jaya and Pulau Manis.

Najib’s family has held the Pekan seat since 1959, except for one term from 1982 to 1986 when Najib was the menteri besar.

Najib’s father Abdul Razak Hussein held the seat first until his death, and then Najib took over. 

Najib is currently serving a 12-year jail term after failing in his final appeal at the Federal Court in the SRC International case.

He has filed for a review to overturn his conviction and has also sought a royal pardon. – October 13, 2022.