Lawyer-activist Latheefa Koya criticised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim over his decision not to confirm the existence of a royal addendum granting former premier Najib Abdul Razak house arrest, citing legal obstacles.
“He has to stop hiding behind the king or passing the buck to him; particularly so in this matter, which is politically controversial.
“Does Anwar understand the Federal Constitution?
“If he does, then why is he misleading the Dewan Rakyat and the public on the functions of the Pardons Board and the king’s role in it?” she asked on X today.
Earlier today, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat he could not answer about the royal addendum at the moment, citing parliamentary rules barring sub-judice discussions for ongoing court cases.
He also claimed prime ministers are not allowed to comment on decisions made by the Agong regarding pardons unless there is permission from the monarch or the matter is resolved in court.
However, he assured that he would answer in Parliament once a court battle over the addendum is resolved in January.
‘King acts on advice’
Unimpressed, Latheefa insisted that the prime minister can comment on the matter as it is not the decision of the Agong solely.
The former MACC chief commissioner pointed out that as per Article 40 (1) of the Federal Constitution, the king must act on the advice of the Pardons Board.
“The attorney-general and a minister sit in the Pardons Board.
“Therefore, the operations of the Pardons Board can be questioned in Parliament.
“That is democratic accountability. Any ‘reformist’ worth his salt should know this,” she stated.
Latheefa added that the only situation where the king can act at his own discretion lies within Article 40(2) (a), (b) and (c) - which does not include decisions of the Pardons Board.
The articles mentioned refer to the appointment of a prime minister, withholding requests for the dissolution of Parliament and matters that touch on the rulers’ privileges and honours.
Firing a salvo at the Tambun MP, Latheefa urged Anwar to stop claiming that it was the previous Agong who made all decisions pertaining to Najib’s pardon process.
“He’s talking legal nonsense. Anwar seems to have forgotten that our king is a constitutional monarch, who acts on the advice of the government,” she stressed.
No statement from Pahang Palace
On a related matter, the Pahang Palace said it would not make any statement regarding the existence of the royal addendum.
Pahang state legal adviser Saiful Edris Zainuddin, in a statement today, said the decision was made on the advice of Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail to respect the court proceedings.
Pahang ruler, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah served as Agong when Najib received his partial pardon.
- Mkini
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