In a surprising turn of events, fugitive blogger Raja Petra Kamarudin (RPK) has come to the defence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, refuting claims that Anwar had promised to grant a full pardon to disgraced former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Instead, RPK has shifted the blame onto current UMNO supreme council member Datuk Lokman Noor Adam, accusing him of making the promise.
RPK, known for his opposition-leaning views, stated in a recent video clip from his residence in Manchester, UK, that it was Lokman who had declared that "Najib would be a free man within one week after the new PM took oath of office." RPK emphasized that Anwar had never made such a promise and had never confirmed Lokman's statement.
According to RPK, Lokman, who also serves as the UMNO communications director, had condemned both of Anwar's predecessors, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, for their reluctance to assist in freeing Najib during their respective tenures. RPK claimed that Ismail Sabri was threatened with action by UMNO's disciplinary committee and eventual expulsion from the party if he refused to dissolve Parliament to allow for a new PM to be appointed.
Addressing criticisms from Pakatan Harapan (PH) supporters who blamed Anwar for the perceived leniency shown to Najib by the previous PH administration, RPK clarified that the decision to grant Najib a reduced sentence was the "sole discretion" of the then Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah on "compassionate grounds." RPK highlighted that the Pardons Board had initially recommended maintaining Najib's jail term of 12 years and RM210 million in fines, but the Agong decided to reduce them to six years and RM50 million respectively.
RPK's defense of Anwar comes amidst ongoing speculation and criticism surrounding Najib's legal status and the role of various political figures in his potential release. RPK, who has been evading Malaysian police since 2009, remains a controversial figure known for his outspoken views and criticism of the government.
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