The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has affirmed that any new proposal for former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve his remaining prison sentence under house arrest must strictly adhere to procedures outlined by the Pardons Board, which is chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
In a statement today, the AGC emphasized that all clemency applications related to offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya must follow legal protocols as stipulated by the Federal Constitution. Any alternative channels are not permissible under Malaysian law.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has directed the AGC to ensure that any application for clemency for offences in the Federal Territories must be submitted through the Pardons Board, following the proper legal procedures and established channels,” the statement read.
The AGC further clarified that decisions made by the Agong, based on the advice of the Pardons Board, are legally binding and immune from court challenges, ensuring the integrity and finality of the clemency process.
“The Federal Constitution also provides that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may remit, suspend or reduce any sentence imposed by the courts,” the AGC said.
This announcement comes amid growing public debate about Najib’s potential pardon and suggestions for his sentence to be converted to house arrest. Najib, who is Malaysia’s former prime minister, is currently serving a 12-year prison term after being convicted in the SRC International corruption case.
The 71-year-old is incarcerated at Kajang Prison in Selangor and has consistently pursued legal avenues to challenge his conviction. Most recently, his attempt to compel the government to disclose an alleged addendum order by former King Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was dismissed by the High Court. The court ruled that the affidavits submitted to support his claim were inadmissible as they amounted to hearsay.
Najib has since appealed the High Court’s decision, with the Court of Appeal scheduled to hear the case on January 6. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of the purported addendum order, leaving the matter shrouded in uncertainty.
As the debate over Najib’s sentence continues, the AGC’s statement underscores the importance of adhering to Malaysia’s legal framework and constitutional provisions in addressing pardon applications.
Information Source: Malay Mail
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