UMNO Pekan chairman Zamri Langley said that even though Najib is serving his jail term, he would still insist on nominating him as one of the five potential candidates for the Pekan seat in the 15th general election. Zamri Langley pointed out that Najib has been a Member of Parliament for Pekan since 1976, but he was Chief Minister of State for Pahang from 1982 to 1986.
He also said that even if Najib was not eligible to stand for election, he had no plans to put Najib's children on the ballot. And if Najib is pardoned, the person selected to run for the Pekan seat will have to return the seat to Najib.
Pekan seat has always been held by Najib's family
Zamri has so far refused to reveal the other four candidates for the Pakatan Harapan seat. He also said that Najib's eldest son, Datuk Mohammad Nizar, is the head of UMNO in Pekan.
In response to Najib's intention to apply for a pardon to contest the election, the constitutional lawyer argued that while technically possible, it is believed that the chances of the head of state approving it are slim. Mr. Lim pointed out that Malaysian law does not set out the conditions for a pardon. If an application is made for a pardon, the Head of State will usually consider a person's public service and whether he has repented for his crimes, as well as whether he has behaved well, etc.
Najib's family has held the pekan seat since 1959. First, it was Najib's father, and then Najib held it. Najib was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the SRC case. A judicial review has been filed to overturn his conviction, and a pardon is also being sought from the Führer.
Video Credit: The Star