Kota Kinabalu: The constitutional process behind the conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak must be respected, but this should not weaken Malaysia’s commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Sabah PKR Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the decision by the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya was made within the constitutional framework and under the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“Respecting the Constitution does not mean compromising accountability,” said the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) in a statement.
He said criminal offences, particularly involving abuse of power and corruption, must be dealt with under the law regardless of a person’s position or influence.
Mustapha also stressed that the conditional pardon applies only to the SRC International conviction, while other cases involving Najib remain subject to the legal process.
He said Malaysia must continue strengthening institutional integrity and public confidence in its legal and administrative systems, which are also vital to maintaining investor trust.
The Sepanggar Assemblyman called for political stability and continued support for the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to advance the Government’s reform agenda and economic recovery.
For Sabah and Sarawak, Mustapha said strong federal leadership remained important to ensure unresolved Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) matters continued to be addressed.
He said efforts to improve financial allocations for both Borneo states should also remain a priority to support development and improve the welfare of their people.
Mustapha said the focus should now remain on governance, economic recovery and delivering long-standing federal commitments to Sabah and Sarawak.
