AMANAH communications director Khalid Abdul Samad’s statement about former prime minister Najib Razak’s royal pardon bid was his personal opinion, not the party’s stance, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.

Zahid, who is also deputy prime minister, said he was informed of the matter after a discussion with Amanah’s top leaders.

“I hope that individual (Khalid) can differentiate his personal opinion from the party’s overall stance. He should learn to respect other members in the unity government,” he said when met at his open house in Putrajaya today.

On April 27, Khalid reportedly said Amanah has appealed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Pardons Board to reject Najib’s royal pardon bid and have him remain in prison.

Following that, Kelantan Umno information chief Zawawi Othman said his division was considering ending its cooperation with Amanah in the state if Khalid did not retract his statement, which was offensive to Umno.

Zahid said Khalid should have sought clarification from him about Umno’s stance on Najib’s pardon.

He said he has asked Kelantan Umno leaders to resolve the issue with Amanah amicably.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub earlier issued an apology to Umno over Khalid’s statement.

“Sometimes we go too far and there is no shame in apologising if something hurt (others). It is good for us to settle it and move forward for the unity of the country and the people,” Salahuddin said. – Bernama, April 30, 2023.