Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim denies paving the way for Najib Razak’s conditional pardon, stating all prisoners have the constitutional right to appeal.
SHAH ALAM: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations that he paved the way for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s pardon, stressing instead that every prisoner has the right to apply for a pardon to be considered by the Pardons Board.
Anwar said the Pardons Board has the jurisdiction to evaluate applications by taking into account the advice of the Prime Minister and the Attorney-General at the Federal Government 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 when speaking at the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea event at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC) here today.
Anwar also emphasised that jurisdiction regarding pardons and the conferring of awards falls under the discretion of the Sultan and Rulers in respective states, or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in line with constitutional principles.
He explained that his previously expressed views regarding Najib’s pardon were not intended to influence the decision, but rather took into account ongoing court cases, the substantial fine, and its impact on public confidence in the justice system as well as international perception.
At the same time, Anwar stressed that granting a pardon does not impede legal proceedings against other ongoing cases, including those related to 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) and civil suits.
He reaffirmed the MADANI Government’s stance to remain firm in combating corruption and ensuring that cases involving abuse of power are investigated and processed through the legal system.
On Friday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted a conditional pardon to Najib, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of an RM50 million fine and other set conditions.
The Prime Minister’s Department’s Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) said that the matter was decided during the 64th Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya held at Istana Negara.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the Federal Government will continue to defend the constitutional monarchy system, adding that any dispute concerning the royal institution must be resolved in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the law.
He said the full weight of government machinery will be deployed to defend the institution of the Malay Rulers in the country.
“A State Executive Council meets to depose a Ruler – by whose right?… During the election, did you state in your manifesto that if you won, you would depose the Ruler? There was no such thing.
“The people supported you to defend the royal system, yet having won, you reject the Ruler,” he said.
