Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s affidavit to back former premier Najib Abdul Razak's bid to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest was made in the former’s capacity as Umno president, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He stressed that the government would not intervene in the decisions of the Pardons Board, adding that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's rulings during the board meeting were final and could not be challenged.
"He (Zahid submitted the affidavit) in his capacity as the Umno president, and the attorney-general represented the Pardons Board.
"We remain steadfast that all decisions involving the Malay rulers cannot be challenged. I do not wish to comment further as this has been our (the government's) principle since independence," Anwar told reporters after attending Friday prayers at a mosque in Kajang this afternoon.
In an affidavit filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on April 9, Zahid, who is also the deputy prime minister, backed Najib's claim on the existence of a supplementary royal order for the latter's remaining jail sentence to be served under house arrest.
Zahid claimed that on Jan 30, during a meeting in his house at Country Heights; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz informed him of the addendum order dated Jan 29.
However, Zafrul later said there were factual errors in Zahid's affidavit and he would get legal advice and write to the High Court to correct the errors.
Asked about the addendum order, Anwar refused to comment saying it came under the Pardons Board’s jurisdiction.
"In addition, it (royal pardon) is the absolute power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and Malay rulers, in their respective states.
"All quarters should accept that fact and continue working on ensuring the country's peace, stability and developing the country,” the Tambun MP added.
Allocation for opposition MPs
Anwar was also asked about the proposed allocations to elected representatives from the opposition - in terms of conditions set and the quantum of the payment.
The premier replied that it would depend on Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof and the Unity Government Secretariat Supreme Leadership Council.
"There are no conditions to support the prime minister as claimed by the opposition.
"Negotiations (for allocation) will be focused on the country being stable and economically sound. Details will be ironed out later," he said.
Fadillah yesterday said a draft memorandum of understanding will be prepared and conveyed to the opposition for further discussion, following a meeting between government and opposition representatives at Sri Perdana in Putrajaya. - Mkini
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