UMNO needs to reassess its position in the Unity Government if developments regarding the Royal Addendum involving former Prime Minister, Najib Razak, are seen to be against the party’s principles of struggle, especially in defending the sovereignty of the rulers.

UMNO veteran, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, said the stance was important to ensure that the party remained committed to the law and the UMNO Constitution which has been the basis of the struggle since its establishment.

“If the UMNO leadership believes that the issue is contrary to the party’s principles, then party leaders holding positions in the Unity Government must consider relinquishing their respective positions.

“The move is to enable UMNO to regain power and influence in the country’s political landscape without depending on any other political party.

“UMNO has its own laws and Constitution that we should respect, follow and obey. Otherwise, UMNO’s struggle all this time is meaningless if it is just for a seat (position),” he told a press conference on Tuesday.

Tengku Razaleigh, also known as Ku Li, also expressed surprise as to why UMNO leaders have not yet held a high-level conference to discuss the addendum case involving Najib.

According to him, UMNO leaders should have mobilized efforts and endeavors so that Najib’s detention must receive a resolution that satisfies all parties and not just be borne by the former Prime Minister alone.

“We wonder why this conference did not take place for UMNO leaders to review their position (in the Unity Government) following the court’s decision.

“This conference is so that UMNO can discuss the decisions that need to be taken as a party that also helped establish today’s government, which without the support of UMNO members of Parliament, today’s government would not have been possible,” he said.

He added that efforts must also be carried out by UMNO leaders, including seeking a pardon for Najib from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong who has the power, absolute right and prerogative to implement it based on discretion and humanitarian considerations.