KUALA LUMPUR: All leaders and members from parties in the unity government have been called to be open-minded and accept Umno's decision to continue pursuing justice for Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Umno Veterans Club said.
Its secretary-general Datuk Mustapha Yaakub also reminded all political leaders to refrain from issuing disrespectful, inciting or divisive statements against the leadership of the parties in the unity government regarding the reduction of sentences for the former prime minister.
The exchanging of statements between leaders within the unity government over the issue, he said, would only worsen the situation.
"For Umno Veterans Club, do not make us suggest Umno to withdraw its support from the unity government if there are more disrespectful statements like those made by senior DAP leader Tony Pua.
"Do not express views that shows Umno is questioning the decisions of the Pardons Board as such actions are akin to insulting the decision of the King, which clearly involves a sensitive issue of the 3R (religion, royal institution, and race)," he told Berita Harian today.
Mustapha added that the decision made by the Umno Supreme Council yesterday is proof that the party is sincere in obtaining justice for its former president.
"I see the decision of the Umno Supreme Council yesterday not only as a testament to the party's sincerity to obtain justice for Najib but also their openness in accepting the decisions made by the (then) Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Pardons Board.
"The appeal to the King in Najib's case is Umno's right as a party defending the former president, and it should not be seen as pressuring or influencing the King. Instead, it is an effort and initiative that should be respected," he said.
Mustapha also reminded political leaders, including from Umno, not to be provocative, disrespectful, or act as instigators, as it could potentially burn bridges that have already been built between parties within the unity government.
It was reported yesterday that the Federal Territories Pardons Board had reduced Najib's fine to RM50 million from RM210 million as well as halved his 12-year jail term to six.
The decision however did not go down well with several Umno leaders who felt that the former Pekan member of Parliament should be granted a full pardon.
Umno Supreme Council convened a special meeting yesterday, in which, the party decided would continue efforts to obtain "justice" for Najib.
The council, in a statement, hoped that the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would stand with the party in this struggle in the spirit of fairness.
