UMNO’s appeal for a royal pardon for former prime minister Najib Razak is in line with legal procedure and made without any political pressure, party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.

“As a political party we certainly will follow existing legal procedure, and when the procedure is adhered to (in requesting a royal pardon), it will be up to the pardons board,” Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said.

The deputy prime minister said this after officiating the Santunan Kasih Ramadan 2023 programme at Pusat Transformasi Ilmu Bukit Tiu in Machang today.

Also present were Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, Kelantan Umno chairman Ahmad Jazlan Yaakub, and Mara chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.

Zahid said Umno has attempted to schedule an audience with the Agong.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said a conflict of interest in Umno’s bid for a royal pardon for Najib should not arise as anyone can apply for one. – Bernama, April 9, 2023.