Rights group Aliran has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to come clean over the purported addendum involving Najib Abdul Razak’s house arrest application.
It pointed out that Anwar’s administration is represented on the Pardons Board therefore he should not be in the dark on the matter.
“The administration is also a party to the judicial review filed by Najib.
“So, the PM cannot claim ignorance or non-involvement in the process,” the group said in a statement today.
On April 17, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid backed Najib’s claim of a supplementary royal order for the latter’s remaining jail sentence to be served under house arrest.
The Umno president supported Najib’s claim in an affidavit filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court on April 9.
Zahid claimed that on Jan 30 during a meeting in his house at Country Heights - Trade, Investment and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz informed him of the addendum order dated Jan 29.
However, Zafrul later claimed there were “factual errors” in Zahid’s affidavit and he would seek legal advice to address the matter.
On April 21, Anwar said the government will not question the authority of the former Agong to decide on Najib’s detention.
“Our position is clear that any decision made in the Pardons Board, the Agong’s decision, is final.
“Ever since Merdeka until today, there has been no action by the government that goes against the role and power of the Malay rulers, and this we must keep.
“Those who can’t understand the decision, they are not fit to be a political commentator,” Anwar was reported as saying.
Perikatan Nasional chief Muhyiddin Yassin had also taken a swipe at Anwar, calling him an “idiot” prime minister if he had no idea about the alleged supplementary order.
Accountability
Aliran expressed dismay over the purported addendum, which only surfaced two months after the Pardons Board’s meeting.
It also warned the government against establishing precedents not in line with the Federal Constitution and the nation’s commitment to the law.
“The government must remember it is ultimately accountable to the people.
“We call on the government to come clean and clarify what is going on for the benefit of everyone concerned about the worrying state of affairs in Malaysia,” it added.
Earlier this year, the Pardons Board halved Najib’s jail sentence in the SRC International case to six years.
It also reduced the fine imposed on him from RM210 million to RM50 million after he was found guilty of seven corruption charges.
Aliran, formed in 1977, is Malaysia’s first multi-ethnic reform movement dedicated to justice, freedom and solidarity. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.