Don’t presume guilt when someone is investigated, says Asyraf
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki stated that the party will not defend wrongdoers but emphasized that individuals should not be presumed guilty until convicted. The comments follow investigations into former government officials regarding the pilgrims fund.
Why it matters
The statement reflects ongoing political tensions and the importance of the rule of law in Malaysian governance and party politics.
Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said Umno would never defend wrongdoers, whether members or party leaders.
KUALA LUMPUR: Anyone who is under investigation by the authorities should not be presumed to be guilty, as they have yet to be convicted by the courts, says an Umno leader.
The party's secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the principle of the rule of law must always be respected and upheld.
“A person cannot be deemed guilty until they have been charged, tried and convicted by a court,” he told reporters after the Umno Supreme Council meeting last night.
"Any inference that those being probed by the authorities were guilty went against the principles of justice and the presumption of innocence."
However, Asyraf said Umno would also never defend wrongdoers.
“Those involved must face justice through the legal process, including Umno members and leaders," he added.
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