Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan says pardon decisions made under the Federal Constitution must be accepted and respected by all parties.
KUALA LUMPUR: The power to grant a pardon, reprieve or respite of a sentence falls within the power and discretion of the King, as provided for under the Federal Constitution.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s position on the matter was also very clear and in line with the country’s constitutional framework.
“The Federal Constitution has clearly stipulated the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s jurisdiction in matters of pardons. Therefore, decisions made through the process must be accepted and respected by all parties,” he said in a statement today.
Ramanan also urged all parties not to politicise matters concerning pardons, as this could cause confusion.
“Nevertheless, the fight against corruption and misconduct will continue firmly and consistently. This is the stance of the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister, and it is also a position that I fully support,” he added.
Yesterday, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, granted a conditional pardon to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to the payment of a RM50 million fine.
The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department said in a statement that the order was decided at the 64th Meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya held at Istana Negara on Friday.
