Opposition MP Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has called on Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Legal and Institutional Reforms, to clarify recent statements regarding the Pardon Board’s authority over former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s case. Takiyuddin, representing Kota Bharu in parliament, raised concerns about what he described as a misleading explanation provided by Azalina about which ministry oversees the Pardon Board Secretariat.
During a recent parliamentary session, Takiyuddin invoked Rule 36 (12) to assert that Azalina’s statement could have misled the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives). He argued that Azalina inaccurately designated the Regional Ministry as responsible for the Pardon Board Secretariat, when, according to Takiyuddin, this authority actually lies with the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister's Department, which traditionally operates under the jurisdiction of the law ministry.
Referencing a press release from the Pardon Board Secretariat for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya, Takiyuddin emphasized that the 61st board meeting in February 2024 had clearly indicated that the BHEUU was overseeing the secretariat. He asserted, "Azalina, as the law minister, is confusing the House, and this is an affront to its integrity. The House should ensure she clarifies her statements to protect both her own credibility and that of this institution."
The issue first surfaced on November 6, when Azalina claimed that her role as law minister did not include involvement in the Pardon Board, further indicating that the Provincial Ministry was responsible for cases under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's jurisdiction. Takiyuddin’s call for clarity gained momentum after Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the Home Affairs Minister, also weighed in on the topic. Saifuddin addressed speculation about a rumored directive by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong that would allow Najib to serve his prison sentence under house arrest rather than in a standard correctional facility. Saifuddin dismissed this claim as hearsay, adding that the court had similarly deemed it unsubstantiated and closed the matter.
In response to Takiyuddin’s appeal, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul advised him to submit a formal written request, specifying his concerns and proposed actions regarding Azalina’s statements. The Speaker assured Takiyuddin that, once he had a written motion, it would be reviewed and processed for further consideration.
This unfolding debate highlights the ongoing scrutiny and political sensitivity surrounding Najib’s case and the Pardon Board's role, with opposition figures challenging the government's handling and transparency of the matter. Takiyuddin’s insistence on parliamentary accountability reflects broader calls within the opposition for clarity on legal and institutional responsibilities, particularly in high-profile cases that impact public trust in Malaysia’s judicial and governance systems.
Information Source: Astro Awani
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