All legal procedures followed in Najib's pardon bid, says Zahid

Umno says its intention to submit an appeal to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah for consideration for a full royal pardon to former party president Najib Razak is in accordance with legal procedures and without any political pressure.

Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party would follow all existing legal procedures before making an appeal to the Pardons Board for consideration of the matter.

"As a political party, we will certainly follow all existing legal procedures and when the procedures are adhered to, it will be up to the Pardons Board," Zahid, who is also Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman, said in Machang yesterday. 

Zahid, who is also the rural and regional development minister, said Umno had already made efforts to obtain a date for an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

On April 8, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the issue of conflict of interest in seeking a royal pardon for Najib should not arise as everyone can apply for a pardon, and all parties should comply with the stipulated rules and conditions.