Anwar open to talks with Umno leaders over Najib's royal addendum
PUTRAJAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is prepared to hold discussions with Umno leaders over a royal addendum allowing former party president Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Anwar said he was aware that several Umno division chiefs had recently voiced concerns over the matter.
'I am ready to meet with them, provide clarification if needed, or take any steps necessary to preserve harmony,' he told reporters after Friday prayers here.
Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar is appealing to set aside a majority 2-1 ruling on Jan 6 that allowed Najib's application to adduce additional evidence on the addendum and order the High Court to hear his judicial review.
Umno division chiefs, however, said the attorney-general should 'uphold' the addendum and 'support justice'. They also called on Anwar to implement the addendum.
Separately, Anwar said he hoped speculation over alleged interference in judicial appointments will be put to rest following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's assent to several key postings.
'The allegations of interference have been proven baseless, after weeks of attacks and slander directed at me,' he said.
'I hope that with this explanation, and with the decision endorsed by the Conference of Rulers and approved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the slander and anxiety surrounding this issue can now be laid to rest.'
In a statement yesterday, the office of the chief registrar said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh's appointment as chief justice, Abu Bakar Jais's appointment as president of the Court of Appeal, and Azizah Nawawi's appointment as chief judge of Sabah and Sarawak.
They will be sworn in and presented with their letters of appointment at Istana Negara on July 28.
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