PH should not interfere with royal prerogative, says Batu Umno chief

KUALA LUMPUR: Pakatan Harapan (PH) should not interfere with the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong over the reduction of former prime minister Najib Razak’s prison sentence, says Batu Umno division chief Gulam Muszaffar.

He said PH’s continued opposition to the reduction of Najib’s sentence amounted to an attempt to interfere with and undermine the powers and prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“Why was there no objection from Umno when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sought a pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the time, even though he had not served the full sentence imposed on him.

“But when it comes to Najib, PH is being ‘more Catholic than the Pope’, trying to portray itself as the true defender and upholder of the law,” he said in a statement.

Gulam accused PH of applying a “double standard”, claiming that what was acceptable during its time was now being opposed when it involved Najib.

He said Article 42 of the Federal Constitution provided for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s powers in matters involving pardons, reprieves and respites.

“The Federal Constitution, under Article 42, provides for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s authority in this matter.

“Any attempt to interfere in this matter could be seen as an act of disloyalty towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. But what does PH care?” he said.