Is Hannah speaking as minister or carrying PH’s position into Pardons Board? asks Syed Mohd Johan

KUALA LUMPUR: An Umno Kedah leader has questioned whether Hannah Yeoh gave her views on former prime minister Najib Razak’s pardon application independently as a member of the Federal Territories Pardons Board or whether she was influenced by the political position of Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Umno Kedah strategic communications director Syed Mohd Johan Rizal Syed Mohd Yusof said Yeoh’s explanation that she had given her views honestly, candidly and according to her conscience was respected, but raised questions about whether she had acted solely in her capacity as the minister responsible for the Federal Territories.

“The question is whether she made an independent consideration as the Federal Territories minister, or brought the political position of DAP and PH into the meeting,” he said in a statement.

Syed Mohd Johan pointed to a statement issued by the PH secretariat council on Sept 8, before the Pardons Board meeting, saying individuals convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentences imposed by the courts.

Although the PH statement did not name Najib, Syed Mohd Johan said its timing had raised questions about whether a political position had already been established before the board met.

He said he was not asking Yeoh to disclose any confidential advice from the Attorney-General or details of the board’s proceedings, but wanted an assurance that her views had not been influenced by any party directive or political position.

“Conscience is personal, but the position of a minister is a public trust,” he said.

Syed Mohd Johan also questioned whether government communications machinery, including the Department of Community Communications (J-KOM), had been too inclined towards repeating PH narratives, saying the agency was funded by taxpayers and should serve the government rather than any political party.

He stressed that his questions did not challenge the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in matters of pardons under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, saying the King’s decision should be respected.

The Federal Territories Pardons Board, chaired by the King, includes the Attorney-General, the minister responsible for the Federal Territories and three other members appointed by the King.

On Sept 11, the board deferred its decision on Najib’s pardon application to a future meeting. The King also consented to the release of 65 prisoners at the meeting.

Yeoh, who sits on the board by virtue of her position as Federal Territories minister, said she had considered the Attorney-General’s written opinion before giving her views at the official meeting.

Syed Mohd Johan said Najib had the constitutional right to seek clemency and urged that his application be considered fairly, wisely and with compassion.

He called on Yeoh to assure the public that the views she expressed at the meeting were genuinely those of a minister exercising her independent judgment, rather than the position of DAP or PH.