PETALING JAYA: Several Umno division leaders have vowed to revitalise the party despite the recent failure to secure a full pardon for former president Najib Razak, whose prison term and fine for his SRC International conviction was instead reduced.
They said they would heed the party’s call to move forward and respect the decision by the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) to halve the former prime minister’s jail term.
Faizal Ramli, the Port Dickson Umno chief, said leaders and members must strengthen the party by bringing the Malay voters back into its fold before the next general election.
“Remain steadfast and back the current leadership. And while it may seem impossible in view of the uncertainties of the current political climate, we need to regain dominance.
“Maybe we can increase our number of seats (in the next general election) to 60 from the current 30,” he told FMT.
Faizal was commenting on the call by Umno vice-president Johari Ghani for members to respect the FTPB’s decision to reduce Najib’s jail term from 12 to six years, and to lessen his RM210 million fine to RM50 million.
Johari said that Umno leaders and members should focus on rejuvenating the party following a closed-door meeting with president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and the division leaders on Sunday.
Batu chief Ghulam Muzaffar Gulam Mustakim said it was “business as usual” whether or not Najib was in prison.
“Whether ‘Bossku’ is in prison or not, we need to strengthen the party,” he said, referring to Najib by his moniker.
He added however that if Najib was released earlier, he could help revitalise the party and play a role in securing election victories as he had done at the state elections in Johor and Melaka.
Beruas chief Azhar Ahmad said party leaders should focus on the economy as Umno was inundated with partisan politics.
He, too, urged members to accept the FTPB’s decision and the eventual outcome of the appeal for Najib to be granted a full pardon.
“Anyone can appeal, but it (the outcome) will depend on the Malay Rulers. No matter how much we want to free a leader whom we adore, we must accept any decision,” he said.
The FTPB said last week that Najib would be released on Aug 23, 2028, with a year to be added if he failed to settle his fine.
Najib began serving his 12-year prison term on Aug 23, 2022, after the Federal Court dismissed his final appeal in the SRC International case.
