Skipping Pro Najib Rally Nothing To Do With Dap Say Umno Leaders

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Ahmad Maslan (left) said Umno does not have to repeat the reasons for sitting out tomorrow’s rally, while Khairuddin Aman Razali says solidarity for Najib Razak can still be expressed in many other ways.
PETALING JAYA: Several Umno leaders have dismissed claims that the party decided to back out of the rally in solidarity with former prime minister Najib Razak planned for tomorrow because of pressure from DAP.
Umno Supreme Council member Ahmad Maslan insisted that the party’s decision was made out of respect for statements by Istana Negara and Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain.

“The decision has nothing to do with DAP or the so-called ‘UmDAP’. The two main reasons Umno cancelled the Najib solidarity gathering are the statement from Istana Negara and the advice from the inspector-general of police.
“That’s all … how many times do we need to repeat it?” Ahmad told FMT, addressing narratives on social media accusing Umno of fearing DAP as the reason for abandoning plans to gather at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya tomorrow, in addition to being labelled as part of “UmDAP”.
Yesterday, PAS deputy president Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man claimed that Umno’s decision came after DAP voiced dissatisfaction with its plan.
He said Umno’s decision had clearly reinforced the perception the party is merely a loyal follower, bowing to DAP’s every whim.
He said if Umno wishes to dispel this perception, it should take part in the rally and stand in solidarity with Najib, rather than succumbing to DAP’s “minor grumblings”.
Khairuddin Aman Razali, Umno’s Ulama Council deputy chairman, emphasised the party’s consistent efforts to seek justice for Najib.
He noted that party president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was among the first to submit an affidavit supporting the former prime minister’s petition regarding a purported royal addendum that would allow him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest on April 9 last year.
“Umno even organised a solidarity gathering for Najib. However, as part of the ruling government, we heed the king’s call to respect the royal prerogative on pardons.
“Solidarity for Najib can still be expressed in many other ways besides holding a gathering,” he said, criticising PAS for exploiting the issue to sow division within Umno.
Umno vice-president Khaled Nordin yesterday said the party’s commitment to seeking justice for Najib remains unwavering and this will be pursued through the proper legal channels.
He criticised “some political parties” for using Najib’s pardon process to advance their own interests, describing such “seasonal displays of solidarity” as “highly nauseating”. - FMT

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