Umno says opposing Najib’s house arrest could amount to challenging King’s constitutional powers

In a media statement posted on his Facebook page, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party believed the conditional pardon granted under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution reflected the King’s constitutional powers and rights, which must be respected by all institutions and the public. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 11 Nov 2026 2:18 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 — Umno has warned that actions perceived as protests against the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, including the house arrest provision, could be construed as challenging the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional authority.

In a media statement posted on his Facebook page, Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the party believed the conditional pardon granted under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution reflected the King’s constitutional powers and rights, which must be respected by all institutions and the public.

Umno also expressed its gratitude to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for what it described as His Majesty’s firm decree concerning the conditional pardon that led to the implementation of house arrest for Najib.

The party said any action taken in protest, including using the conditional pardon decree as justification, could be seen as an act of defiance against the King’s constitutional authority.

Umno reiterated that it would remain steadfast in defending the dignity and sovereignty of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers.

It also stressed that Malaysia was a nation governed by law and that all legal processes must remain within the framework of the Federal Constitution.

The party said it was the responsibility of all Malaysians to uphold and defend that constitutional framework.