BN tells govt to heed palace statement, expedite Najib’s house arrest

 Barisan Nasional secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir says the deferment of the house arrest should not be viewed merely as an administrative matter or a difference in legal interpretation.

BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir said Istana Negara’s assertion that the conditional pardon order was clear, explicit and unambiguous, and that all its stipulated conditions have been fulfilled, should not be taken lightly. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Barisan Nasional has urged the government to take Istana Negara’s statement seriously and ensure that the conditional pardon allowing Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest is implemented immediately.

BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir said the deferment of the implementation of the former prime minister’s house arrest should not be viewed merely as an administrative matter or a difference in legal interpretation.

“It concerns a much bigger issue, namely respect for the institution of constitutional monarchy, the authority of the king’s decrees, and the principle of the rule of law, which forms the foundation of the country’s system of governance,” he said in a statement.

Zambry said Istana Negara’s assertion that the conditional pardon order was clear, explicit and unambiguous, and that all its stipulated conditions have been fulfilled, should not be taken lightly.

“The palace’s assertion that ‘any argument disputing the order amounts to defying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s authority’ serves as a very serious reminder to all parties, particularly those entrusted with the responsibility of implementing His Majesty’s decisions and decrees,” he said.

Najib is a former Umno president and BN chairman.

Yesterday, Umno announced that it had settled the RM50 million fine imposed on its former president after raising funds through a donation drive.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court subsequently issued an Order of Discharge after the payment was recorded.

However, the Attorney-General’s Chambers said the implementation of the house arrest should be deferred temporarily to allow it to examine legal questions relating to the conditional pardon and the implications of the court order.

Today, Istana Negara said the power to grant pardons was a royal prerogative provided for under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, and that the exercise of this power must be respected.

It also said all requirements stipulated in the conditional pardon order had been fulfilled and there should be no confusion over its interpretation or prolonged uncertainty regarding its implementation. - FMT