KUALA LUMPUR: Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi allowed a man carrying a “Justice for Najib Razak” placard to walk onto the stage during the party’s general assembly today.

The man, dressed in a red Baju Melayu, was seen holding the placard while Zahid was delivering his winding-up speech at the 2026 Umno General Assembly.

Security personnel initially stopped the man from going onto the stage, prompting Zahid to intervene and allow him through.

“Do not stop those who want to come up on stage. Even though I am speaking, I allow him to come up.

“Give him a big round of applause,” Zahid said.

He then asked the man to stand in the middle of the stage and told him not to be embarrassed.

The gesture drew applause from delegates in Dewan Merdeka.

The incident came shortly after Zahid expressed sadness over the outcome of the Pardons Board meeting held the previous day.

He said Umno respected the authority and prerogative of His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in matters involving pardons, but hoped Najib’s application for a full pardon would be considered at the next Pardons Board meeting.

“With the utmost humility, we, the Umno General Assembly, humbly submit our appeal for His Majesty’s mercy and consideration that a full pardon be granted to Datuk Seri Najib,” he said.