The question of whether a royal addendum exists regarding former Prime Minister Dato' Seri Najib Razak’s potential house arrest has become a heated topic in Malaysia’s political arena.
At the center of this issue, Dato' Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong, MCA President and Ayer Hitam MP, has called for a simple and direct answer: does it exist or not? Yes or No?
A Straightforward Question
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Dr. Wee emphasized that the matter is straightforward and does not require evasion. “If yes, say yes; if no, say no,” he urged, criticizing Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s refusal to clarify the existence of the addendum due to sub judice concerns. Dr. Wee noted that the issue has been lingering since March 7, 2024, and the public is now left in confusion.
Anwar had stated that the discussion of the alleged royal addendum ie. potentially allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest was sub judice due to an ongoing appeal in court, scheduled for January 2025. He cited legal advice from the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), stressing the need to respect judicial processes.
Challenging Sub Judice
Dr. Wee questioned the relevance of the sub judice principle in Malaysia, where there is no jury system. He argued that judges, being trained professionals, are not easily influenced by public discourse. Citing former attorney-general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas, who once dismissed sub judice as outdated, Dr. Wee reiterated that the public is simply seeking transparency.
“Malaysian judges are wise and impartial. The people will not discuss the case; they only want to know if the addendum exists,” he said.
Political Reactions and Counterarguments
Dr. Wee’s remarks have sparked strong reactions. Prime Minister Anwar’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, accused Dr. Wee of interpreting the law to fit his narrative. He retorted, “Did Tommy Thomas, the Attorney-General at the time, abolish the sub judice rule?” Kamil also questioned why Dr. Wee was now vocal about the issue, contrasting it with his silence during Najib’s imprisonment under Dato' Seri Ismail Sabri’s government.
Similarly, DAP MP Lim Lip Eng criticized Dr. Wee for lacking legal understanding, suggesting he consult lawyers about the sub judice rule. Lim also challenged MCA’s stance on whether Najib should be granted house arrest, urging the party to clarify its position without “double talk.”
A Test of Government Transparency
Dr. Wee’s insistence on a yes-or-no answer raises broader questions about government transparency and accountability. He argued that withholding such information undermines public trust and sets a troubling precedent. “If the government can hide a royal decree for nearly a year, what else could it be hiding?” he asked.
Dr. Wee also questioned whether DAP, a vocal critic of Najib in the past, would quit the unity government if the royal addendum were confirmed. He challenged the party to take a definitive stand instead of merely criticizing while staying in power.
Respecting the Constitution
Ultimately, Dr. Wee highlighted the distinction between judicial rulings and royal prerogatives. While the courts sentenced Najib, the Federal Constitution grants the King sole discretion over pardons and sentence commutations. Any royal decree, if issued, must be respected, he asserted.
In closing, Dr. Wee reiterated that personal opinions about Najib or the decision are irrelevant. What matters is transparency and adherence to constitutional principles. As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: the public’s demand for a straightforward answer is unlikely to fade.
This unfolding issue underscores the delicate balance between constitutional authority, judicial independence, and the public’s right to know. Will the government provide clarity, or will the mystery surrounding the royal addendum persist?
For now, the government is cautiously respecting the legal process and placing its trust in the judicial institution. The decision, at this moment, rests with the courts.
By: Kpost
Information Source: TheStar , Nst , Fmt , TheStar , Fmt , Malaysiakini , YouTube/MCA
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