PKR Official Slams Nazifuddin's Claim on Najib's Pardon

Datuk Nazifuddin Mohd. Najib, the Langkawi UMNO Division Chief, has been accused of misleading the public with his assertion that a Barisan Nasional (BN) victory in the upcoming Johor state election would signal the people's desire for his father, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, to receive a royal pardon. G. Sivamalar, the PKR Deputy Secretary-General, strongly criticized this claim, calling it disrespectful to the millions of Johor voters and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Sivamalar argued that such a statement trivializes the value of Johor voters' choices and should not be used as a political tool to pardon specific individuals. "It is not only arrogant but also an open insult to the intelligence of Johor voters and a mockery of democratic principles," Sivamalar stated. She emphasized that elections are not referendums on an individual's fate but rather a platform for citizens to select a government capable of governing with integrity, managing the economy, reducing living costs, attracting investment, and building the state's future. Nazifuddin had reportedly claimed that a BN win in Johor would indicate continued support for the sixth Prime Minister and a hope for a royal pardon. However, Sivamalar reminded Nazifuddin that BN's victory in the 2022 Johor state election was partly due to low voter turnout influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. She pointed to the 2018 general election, where Johor saw an 89% turnout, leading to BN's historic defeat in a region long considered its stronghold. "The fact is, when Johor voters turn out in large numbers, they make decisions based on hopes for the state's future, not for the benefit of any individual," she asserted.

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(It) bukan sahaja bersifat angkuh malah merupakan satu penghinaan terbuka terhadap kebijaksanaan rakyat Johor serta satu bentuk ejekan terhadap prinsip demokrasi.