Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has expressed sympathy for party members Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Abdul Rahim and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob over the legal challenges they are facing.
Speaking during his policy speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly on Friday (Sept 11), Zahid urged party delegates to continue supporting both leaders.
“We sympathise with him over what he has gone through, having to wear the orange uniform,” he said, referring to Azeez.
“As such, let us continue to extend our sympathy to both our friends,” he added.
Azeez was previously charged with allegedly using his position as Lembaga Tabung Haji chairman to secure the chairmanship of Putrajaya Perdana Bhd, a position that carried an annual remuneration of RM690,000, along with a luxury car and permanent driver.
He has pleaded not guilty to charges of using his position to secure the company chairmanship 12 years ago.
Meanwhile, Ismail Sabri was charged with failing to declare assets, including RM14.7 million in cash, millions of ringgit in various foreign currencies and gold bars. He has claimed trial to the charge.
Zahid also expressed hope that there would be good news from the Pardons Board meeting, which was rumoured to be considering an application involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
He then asked Najib’s wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, who was among those present, to stand so that delegates could see her.
“Datin, we ask you to stand so that the delegates can easily see you. Hopefully, there will be good news today, God willing,” he said.
It had been reported that Najib’s application for house arrest could be among the matters discussed at the meeting, although it remained unclear whether the meeting would result in a decision.
Najib, 73, was convicted of misappropriating RM42 million belonging to SRC International and sentenced to 12 years in prison, as well as fined RM210 million.
He began serving his sentence at Kajang Prison on Aug 23, 2022.
