Is it really amnesia… or another cynical jibe knowing that under Madani rule the long arms of the law may never reach him?
It looks like the irrepressible 99-year-old Dr Mahathir Mohamad is back among the headlines again; this time it was after a controversial video had emerged recently where he had allegedly claimed that no Pardons Board meeting was held over the pardon granted to Anwar Ibrahim in 2018!
However, in response to that, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) had pointed out that Dr Mahathir, in his capacity as prime minister, was actually present during a Pardons Board meeting that same year to decide on the current prime minister’s fate.
Anwar's pardon invalid…?!
In a statement issued by the AGC it was reported that the meeting on 16 May 2018 was chaired by His Majesty the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Muhammad V, and that it was also attended, among others, by Tun Dr Mahathir, who was the then-PM.
The statement also confirmed that based on the advice of the Pardons Board, Sultan Muhammad V consented to pardon and release Anwar, with effect from the date of the board's meeting.
Moreover, it added that for the purpose of the meeting, the Attorney General had also provided a written opinion on the matter in accordance with Clause (9), Article 42 of the Federal Constitution for the Pardons Board’s consideration.
In fact, the AGC further rebutted the outspoken two-time prime minister's claim that the pardon granted to Anwar was invalid as it did not go through a proper Pardons Board process; it went on to caution that any statement that could mislead the public regarding the decision of the Pardons Board is completely inappropriate.
But what does history say…?
For the record, based on credible reports carried by several newspapers at both local and international level back then, it would appear that the vocal former statesman’s recent “exposure” is not true at all.
In fact, another news portal had quoted Wan Ahman Dahlan Abdul Aziz, the Comptroller of the Royal Household, of having said that "His Majesty the King, Sultan Muhammad V, under the advice of the Pardons Board… has declared that the appeal for full pardon and immediate release of Anwar Ibrahim is approved."
More significantly, the well-respected Al-Jazeera news website had also reported that Dr Mahathir was actually present at the palace for the royal pardon’s “board meeting” to discuss Anwar’s release!
So weren't the Comptroller of Malaysia's Royal House himself and reputable international news agencies such as Al Jazeera reporting the truth?
Even if it's untrue, Dr Mahathir’s sensational recent allegation is sure to have raised several disturbing questions; among them why is he (only now) stirring the hornet’s nest in a matter that has serious constitutional implications…?
Furthermore, is it a coincidence that his latest salvo aimed at his nemesis Anwar comes hot on the heels of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s report on seizing assets worth RM2bil linked to his close comrade the late Daim Zainuddin?
Returning fire on behalf of Daim…?
If anything, won't Dr Mahathir's claim also reflect poorly on his own stature as a seasoned prime minister for more than twenty years and a renowned international figure - surely he would have been familiar with the pardon process?
Ironically, even if the pardon process itself had been flawed, wouldn't the former UMNO Baru strongman been guilty of committing a colossal constitutional gaffe by being a key party to it?
Interestingly, could it even be like what some “conspiracy theorists” may allege, that it may have been done on purpose so that it can be raised and “weaponised” against the enemies at a future time?
The bottom line though is, as what the concerned public may ask: isn't spewing “untruths” and bringing the royal institution into disrepute a grave abomination that calls for the sternest legal response?
Main information source: Malaysiakini, Malay Mail, Benar News, Al Jazeera and NST.
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) 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!
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