Anwar denies paving way for Najib’s conditional pardon

 The prime minister says the pardons board had jurisdiction to evaluate applications, taking into account the views of the government, while the final decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his previous views on Najib Razak’s pardon were not intended to influence the decision of the pardons board. (Bernama pic)

SHAH ALAM:

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has denied allegations that he paved the way for the conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Najib Razak, saying that every prisoner had the right to apply for a royal pardon.

Anwar said the pardons board had the jurisdiction to evaluate applications by taking into account the advice of the prime minister and the attorney-general at the federal government level, while the final decision rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“I wish to reiterate that every prisoner has the right to submit an appeal, and I defend that right for anyone, including Datuk Seri Najib. He has the right to submit his appeal for consideration by the pardons board and the king,” Anwar said at a reunion gathering of Perintis Reformis this afternoon.

“There are discordant voices from our former allies claiming this is Pakatan Harapan’s doing. As prime minister, I do not want to use harsh words; people can criticise me, but it is untrue. Those in government know my stance from the beginning. Even if you want to win votes, it should not be by lying. Claiming that I paved the way is incorrect,” he said.

Anwar said jurisdiction over pardons and the conferment of royal awards was under the discretion of the sultan and heads of states, or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in line with constitutional principles.

He said his previously expressed views on a pardon for Najib were not intended to influence the decision, but rather took into account current court cases, the substantial fine imposed on Najib, and its impact on public confidence in the justice system as well as international perception.

At the same time, Anwar stressed that granting a pardon does not impede legal proceedings against other ongoing cases, including those related to 1MDB and civil suits.

he said the government remained firm in combating corruption and ensuring that cases involving abuse of power are investigated and processed through the legal system.

Najib has been granted a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of a six-year jail sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of an RM50 million fine and other conditions. - FMT