Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied that there would be any conflict of interest in his involvement in the pardon process for former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
Anwar said this was because the final decision to grant a pardon or not was the sole discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“The process of requesting pardon is granted to and can be brought by whomever.
“Surely, we will abide by the due processes and I will be a part of that process,” he told reporters after the launching ceremony of the Kita-Untuk-Kita programme in Shah Alam today.
Najib’s pardon will be considered by the Federal Territories Pardons Board, which consists of the attorney-general, the minister of the federal territories, and three members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Anwar did not disclose today the role he would play in that process. However, he is the de facto federal territories minister.
Asked if this would result in a conflict of interest, the Pakatan Harapan chairperson said that this was not the case as the process must be fully respected and honoured.
He added that it was premature to make any further comments regarding the matter.
“I have not seen anything except for the Umno resolution. Parties, and individuals, including those (who are) convicted, have the right to appeal.
“I do not want to preclude anyone on that matter. It is elaborate and has to be followed.
“The final decision is solely at the discretion of the Agong,” he said.
The Umno supreme council unanimously decided yesterday to petition for a royal pardon for Najib.
This was after Najib’s application to review his conviction and sentencing in the RM42 million SRC International corruption case was dismissed by the Federal Court in a majority 4-1 verdict on March 31.
In 2018, after Pakatan Harapan won the 14th general election (GE14), the coalition also applied for a royal pardon for Anwar, who was then in prison but was subsequently granted a full pardon by the Agong.
Najib is currently serving a 12-year jail sentence due to his conviction in the SRC International case.
Meanwhile, the former prime minister still has a number of ongoing cases including the ongoing RM2.28 billion 1MDB corruption trial.
Another two cases which have yet to go to full trial are the RM27 million SRC International money laundering case and the RM6.6 billion International Petroleum Investment Company criminal breach of trust case. - Mkini
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