SHAH ALAM, Sept 21 - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations that he paved the way for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s conditional pardon, stressing that every prisoner has the right to apply for a pardon for consideration by the Pardons Board.
Anwar said the Pardons Board has jurisdiction to evaluate applications, taking into account the advice of the prime minister and attorney-general at the federal level, while the final decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I stated that every prisoner has the right to submit an appeal, and I defend that right for anyone, including Datuk Seri Najib. He has the right to submit his appeal for consideration by the Pardons Board chaired by the King.
“There are discordant voices from our former allies claiming this is Pakatan Harapan’s doing. As prime minister, I do not want to use harsh words; people can criticise me, but it is untrue ... those in government know my stance from the beginning ... even if you want to win votes, it should not be by lying. Claiming that I paved the way is incorrect,” he said.
He said this while speaking at the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC) here yesterday.
Anwar also stressed that jurisdiction over pardons and the conferring of awards falls under the discretion of the Sultans and Rulers in their respective states, or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in accordance with constitutional principles.
He said his previously expressed views on Najib’s pardon were not intended to influence the decision, but took into account ongoing court cases, the substantial fine involved, and the potential impact on public confidence in the justice system and Malaysia’s international standing.
At the same time, Anwar stressed that the granting of a pardon does not impede legal proceedings in other ongoing cases, including those related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and civil suits.
He reaffirmed the Madani government’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring that cases involving abuse of power are investigated and dealt with through the legal system.
On Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to the payment of an RM50 million fine and other conditions.
The Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) said the decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara.
