Hundreds of Najib supporters gather at Istana Negara, demand royal pardon for convicted prime minister

On Tuesday (23 August), Malaysians saw one of the most historical verdicts where the panel of five judges led by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat upheld convicted prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s guilty verdict over the misappropriation of RM42 million belonging to government-owned SRC International Sdn Bhd.

With any delay, Najib was sent to the Kajang prison to serve his 12-year prison sentence after the conclusion of his hearing.

This verdict also marks the first time in the nation’s history that a Prime Minister has been imprisoned.

Despite his conviction, supporters of the former prime minister remained unwavering.

According to The Star, it was reported that about hundreds of Najib supporters were seen gathering outside the Gate 3 of the Royal Palace on Wednesday (23 August) at around 2 pm as they sought royal intervention into the former prime minister’s corruption conviction.

The group, who called themselves “Pertubuhan Jalinan Perpaduan Negara Malaysia”, submitted a memorandum to palace officials.

“We have submitted a ‘referendum’ to Istana Negara with two things that we are demanding.”

“We want a Royal Pardon to be given to Najib and we want Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki to meet the King and present the evidence that there was a conflict of interest in regards to Judge Datuk Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali,” the group’s leader Syed Muhammad Imran Syed Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying.

It is reported that the group’s leader and a few other members were allowed to enter the Palace compound to submit the memorandum, while other protesters gathered outside the Palace gates, causing slight congestion in the area.

The group dispersed after the press conference was over.

Stay tuned for more updates!