Mca The Latest To Stay Away From Pro Najib Rally

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Barisan Nasional’s partner MCA said its party members would not be prevented from attending the rally in their personal capacity. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional’s partner MCA has decided against mobilising members for a gathering in solidarity of imprisoned former prime minister Najib Razak, following Umno’s decision last night to pull out, in deference to a statement by Istana Negara on royal pardons.
However, MCA members will not be prevented from attending the rally in their personal capacity, the party statement said.
The statement called for transparency on the part of the government regarding whether there existed an order purportedly allowing Najib to serve the rest of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The order is purportedly in an addendum to the Feb 2 decision by the Federal Territories Pardons Board to commute Najib’s sentence, reducing his 12-year jail term to six years and a RM210 million fine to RM50 million.
The MCA statement said: “The government must be transparent about whether such an addendum exists and must uphold and honour all directives from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at all times in accordance with the Federal Constitution.”
The MCA and Umno decisions came as politicians were urging Najib’s supporters to gather in front of the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, where the appeals court will hear a challenge from Najib regarding the purported addendum.
Earlier today, MIC said it will hold special prayers at Batu Caves for Najib instead of joining the planned rally as announced by deputy president M Saravanan last Thursday.
However, PAS has decided to press on with the planned rally. Yesterday, PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari contended that the rally was lawful, despite police misgivings, and an exercise in the people’s right to assemble.
Putrajaya police have said an application to hold the rally had been rejected as the application, submitted on Dec 31, was incomplete. More than 450 police personnel will be on standby in Putrajaya on Jan 6 for the hearing of Najib’s application for a judicial review. - FMT

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