Kuala lumpur: UMNO respects His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim's decision to defer ruling on former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's pardon application, party president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. Ahmad Zahid, who expressed sadness over the deferral, said UMNO remained loyal to the King of Malaysia and would continue to uphold the institution of the Malay Rulers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid appealed to His Majesty to exercise his wisdom and royal prerogative in making the best decision, as he addressed reporters following his presidential policy speech at the UMNO General Assembly 2026. Earlier, a statement from the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister's Department noted that after the 63rd Pardons Board Meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya at Istana Negara, the King has consented to defer the decision on Najib's pardon application to a future meeting of the Pardons Board.

The statement also mentioned that His Majesty consented to the release of 65 prisoners, with all non-Malaysian prisoners to be deported and repatriated to their countries of origin within six months of their release. Meanwhile, UMNO secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that UMNO hopes the party's former president's application will be considered at the future Pardons Board meeting.

Dr Asyraf emphasized that UMNO's efforts to secure justice for Datuk Seri Mohd Najib are not intended to challenge legal institutions or processes. Instead, UMNO plans to pursue all avenues permitted under the Constitution and the law to ensure his right to fair consideration is fully upheld. He also urged all parties to remain calm, respect the institution of the Malay Rulers, and refrain from any actions that could jeopardize the ongoing process.