AMANAH was not pressured to apologise after the party’s communications director called for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong not to pardon jailed Najib Razak, the party’s mobilisation bureau director Mohd Sany Hamzan said.

He said the matter was just a minor issue.

“There is no pressure on Amanah (on this issue) because this issue is small. We have been given a mandate. We have to take care of the nation and the people.

“The economy is bad, the people are struggling, our focus is on helping the people.

“The pardon matter is a small thing, it’s normal for our ‘siblings’ to be mischievous and make mistakes. If we think something is wrong, we just apologise – no problem,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

The Hulu Langat MP said it would be more appropriate for the issue to be left to the wisdom of the Agong.

“Ultimately the power of pardon rests with the discretion of the Agong’s wisdom. If it is the Agong’s decision, we as the people must accept it.

“Whether one party agrees or disagrees, if pardon is given or not, we have to accept it,” he said.

Amanah had come under fire from Umno after its communications director Khalid Samad said the king should not entertain Najib’s pardon bid.

Umno said it would support a pardon for its former president, who is undergoing a 12-year jail sentence for corruption and abuse of power.

Amanah leaders then distanced the party from Khalid’s statement, saying it was not the official party stance and that the decision on the pardon is the king’s to make.

“Regarding Khalid’s statement, that is his personal view. The party’s official statement was issued by the president (Mohamad Sabu),” said Sany.

In his initial statement, Khalid said if Najib’s application is allowed, it will affect the people’s confidence in the government and the institution of Malay rulers.

Umno leaders slammed Khalid for the statement, with party Supreme Council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi describing Amanah as untrustworthy.

Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub yesterday apologised to Umno over Khalid’s remarks.

Another Amanah leader, Hanipa Maidin, today said Pakatan Harapan (PH) voters will not easily forget Najib’s mistakes even though PH cooperates with Umno in the federal government.

The Pardons Board convened last Friday but did not discuss Najib’s application.

Pardons Board secretary for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya Khairul Dzaimee Daud said the paper will be considered at an appropriate time according to applicable laws and regulations. – May 1, 2023.