Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin has questioned the relevance of the Johor state election to any potential royal pardon for former prime minister Najib Razak, who is currently serving a prison sentence for corruption.
Muhyiddin, who was among the most vocal critics of 1MDB during his time in government, said Najib has already been convicted by the courts.
“Najib has already been convicted,” he said while addressing a ceramah in Gersik, where he also asked the small crowd if they supported Najib’s release. The audience reportedly responded with a “no”.
He also recalled his past role as deputy prime minister in Najib’s administration, saying he had raised concerns over the 1MDB issue before being removed from his post in 2015.
Muhyiddin’s remarks came after claims by Najib’s son, Nazifuddin, that a strong Barisan Nasional showing in the Johor polls would reflect public support for Najib and hopes for a royal pardon.
Najib, 72, is currently serving a six-year jail sentence for the SRC International case, with his imprisonment scheduled to end on August 23, 2028.
Meanwhile, PKR deputy secretary-general Aidi Amin Yazid said elections should not be used as a platform to revisit legal matters or reinterpret court decisions.
He stressed that a state election is meant to decide the formation of a state government, and not serve as a referendum on personal or legal issues.
