Kuala lumpur: Elections cannot be used as a channel to free any individual who is serving a prison sentence, said UMNO information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said. Azalina, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform), emphasized that no legal provisions allow elections to be used to release any particular individual. Instead, she clarified that the power to grant pardons lies solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azalina addressed these points at a press conference following the National Cyber Security Summit (NCSS) 2026. She responded to claims by several parties during the Johor state election campaign that a Barisan Nasional (BN) victory could potentially lead to the release of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Azalina reiterated that the pardon process is independent of political influence, emphasizing its separation from political campaigns and elections.

Regarding the Johor polls, Azalina noted that the BN election machinery was actively engaged in an organized and structured campaign, focusing on the people's priorities and local issues within the state. BN has implemented a foster family program involving teams from other states, aiming to enhance their campaign's focus on local matters. The party is contesting all 56 seats in the upcoming Johor election, with polling scheduled for Saturday.