Elections cannot be used as 'get out of jail free' card, says Azalina

 

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Azalina Othman Said has stressed that elections cannot be used to secure the release of anyone serving a prison sentence.

The Umno information chief was referring to former premier Najib Abdul Razak, who is imprisoned over 1MDB-related convictions.

She said the power to grant a pardon rests solely with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“There is no law stating that elections can free anyone. What is happening today (pardons) is the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“It has nothing to do with politics,” she was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak

Azalina was responding to claims made by several parties during the Johor state election campaign that a BN victory could pave the way for Najib’s release.

‘BN victory a strong signal’

Earlier, Najib’s son and Langkawi Umno chief Nazifuddin said a landslide BN victory in Johor would send a clear message that the public continues to support his father and hopes he will be granted a royal pardon.

“If BN wins by a large margin, it will send a strong signal - not only that the people of Johor support BN and its leadership, but also that they still cherish ‘Bossku’ and hope he can once again be with the rakyat.

“If anyone wants to resign over it, they should resign now instead of waiting until after we win. That’s my advice,” he added.

Langkawi Umno chief Nazifuddin Najib

Nazifuddin acknowledged, however, that a state election victory would not automatically secure Najib’s release.

“We’re not electing a prime minister (in state polls). What we want is for BN to win convincingly.

“And if we do, what’s wrong with Bossku receiving a pardon and being released? There’s nothing wrong with that. It is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming of DAP said he would be the first to resign from the cabinet if Najib was released from prison.

He also did not rule out the possibility of DAP withdrawing from the federal coalition altogether. - Mkini