Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that 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. Anwar reiterated that every prisoner, including Datuk Seri Najib, has the right to submit an appeal for consideration by the Pardons Board, which is chaired by the King. He addressed criticisms from former allies who claimed that this was an initiative by Pakatan Harapan, dismissing such claims as false.
Anwar made these remarks at the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea event at the Selangor International Trade Centre (SITC). He further clarified that the 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. Anwar emphasized that his views on Najib's pardon were not meant to influence the decision but were a reflection on ongoing court cases, the substantial fine, and its impact on public confidence in the justice system as well as international perception.
Anwar also highlighted 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 commitment to combating corruption and ensuring that cases involving abuse of power are 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 August 23, 2028, subject to payment of an RM50 million fine and other set conditions. The Prime Minister's Department's Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) announced that this decision was made during the 64th Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya held at Istana Negara.
Meanwhile, Anwar stated that the Federal Government will continue to defend the constitutional monarchy system and that any disputes concerning the royal institution must be resolved in accordance with the Federal Constitution and the law. He underscored the government's commitment to defending the institution of the Malay Rulers, questioning the legitimacy of any attempts to depose a Ruler without public mandate or manifesto promises.