Zahid’s affidavit well-timed, strategic, says analyst

An analyst believes the affidavit could potentially solidify Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s position within Umno by demonstrating his unwavering support for former party president Najib Razak. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi throwing his weight behind former prime minister Najib Razak’s request for house arrest is “well-timed and strategic”, says analyst Awang Azman Pawi.

He said Zahid’s affidavit could be a tactical manoeuvre to counter claims within Umno that he has not supported Najib adequately, and is set to unite Umno’s factions, which have not been convinced about Zahid’s loyalty to his former leader.

“This affidavit proves otherwise, potentially solidifying Zahid’s position within the party by demonstrating his unwavering support for Najib.

“It appears that this affidavit was tactically and wisely conceived, but was held back for some time before it was revealed for strategic reasons,” he said.

Awang Azman said the Madani government must now take measures to ensure all interests are taken care of and ensure justice is meted out fairly.

He said Zahid’s affidavit was unlikely to affect the unity government, but proper channels should be used to ensure that the matter was not misinterpreted.

“They must tackle this issue calmly, patiently and carefully. They must allow the courts to decide on the matter and deal carefully with the prerogatives of the king (in granting pardons).

“This may involve interpretations of law and the Federal Constitution related to house arrests,” he said.

Earlier this month, Najib filed an application in the High Court, compelling the government to produce an alleged “supplementary order” issued by former king Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah during a Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting on Jan 29.

Najib accused the government of contempt for not executing the “addendum order”, which he claims was not disclosed by the board on Feb 2.

Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, said he had seen this order on Senator Tengku Zafrul Aziz’s phone during a meeting.

In response, Tengku Zafrul said he would submit his own affidavit to address what he said were factual inaccuracies in Zahid’s version of events.