Cabinet Delves into Najib's Pardon: Hands Tied as Pardons Board Holds the Reins

15 Feb 2024 • 8:30 PM MYT
Young Sok Fun
Young Sok Fun

A network tech by profession and a consultant. Passionate about writing

image is not available
Malaymail

The federal Cabinet convened today, delving into the deliberations surrounding the pardon application of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail made it clear that the Cabinet doesn't wield authority over this matter. The crux of the issue, Najib's 12-year prison sentence resulting from his conviction in the misappropriation of RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd, lies squarely within the domain of the Pardons Board.

Speaking at a press conference at his ministry, Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail shed light on the discussions within the Cabinet. While they received a concise update on Najib's case, he stressed that the Cabinet recognizes and respects the exclusive jurisdiction vested in the Pardons Board by the Federal Constitution. The minister elucidated that the constitution explicitly outlines the members of the Pardons Board and delineates their authority, establishing a clear framework for decision-making in matters of pardons.

In clarifying the Cabinet's role, Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail emphasized that although the discussions took place, the ultimate authority and decision-making power rest firmly within the purview of the Pardons Board. This statement underscores the government's commitment to upholding constitutional principles and the separation of powers.

It is imperative to understand that the Pardons Board operates independently to assess and determine matters related to pardons, making it the singular authority in cases such as Najib's. By reiterating the constitutional framework and the legal processes in place, the Home Minister emphasized that the Cabinet's role is consultative and deliberative, rather than interventionist.

In conclusion, the federal Cabinet engaged in discussions regarding Najib Razak's pardon application, but the Home Minister clarified the limited role of the Cabinet, highlighting the paramount authority of the Pardons Board. This underscores the government's adherence to constitutional principles, legal processes, and a commitment to the separation of powers.


Young Sok Fun is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact Newswav.