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 emphasized the importance of respecting such decisions, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's clear stance on adhering to the country's constitutional framework.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramanan highlighted that the Federal Constitution clearly stipulates the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's jurisdiction in matters of pardons. He stressed that decisions made through this constitutional process must be accepted and respected by all parties involved. Ramanan also cautioned against politicizing matters concerning pardons, as it could lead to unnecessary confusion.

Ramanan assured that the government's commitment to fighting corruption and misconduct remains unwavering, a stance strongly supported by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's administration. This reaffirmation comes in the wake of a recent decision involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Yesterday, 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, contingent on the payment of a RM50 million fine. The Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister's Department disclosed that this decision was made during the 64th Meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya, held at Istana Negara on Friday.