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KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 2026 – Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki has criticised Pakatan Harapan’s campaign strategy in the Johor state election, accusing the coalition of using former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s royal pardon issue as political ammunition.
Asyraf said he was surprised that PH leaders, from the top level down to the grassroots, continued to mention Najib in their campaign messaging. He claimed PH was trying to mislead voters by creating the impression that Najib would be released if Barisan Nasional wins the Johor state election.
According to Asyraf, the claim has no basis because an election result does not determine whether a convicted individual can be released. He argued that Najib’s release can only happen through the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power of pardon under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution.
He also compared the matter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s previous release, saying that such a process depends on the royal pardon mechanism and not on political victory in an election. For Asyraf, the issue should not be turned into a campaign tool to influence Johor voters.
The Umno leader further urged PH to campaign more responsibly and based on facts, especially as the coalition is part of the federal government. He said political parties should focus on realistic offers to the people instead of relying on sentiment and what he described as misleading narratives.
Asyraf also challenged PH to present strong policy proposals that could compete with BN’s Maju Johor 2030 agenda. He said the current political environment should be driven by ideas, facts and practical solutions rather than emotional attacks.
The issue comes as Najib’s name continues to surface in campaign debates ahead of the Johor state election. The former prime minister remains a politically sensitive figure, especially among Umno and BN supporters, while his legal and pardon-related matters continue to attract national attention.
The controversy also highlights how the Johor election is being shaped not only by local development issues, but also by national political narratives. Questions surrounding Najib, BN’s political direction and PH’s campaign approach are expected to remain key talking points throughout the election period.
