Pardoning Power Rests With Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Not PM or PH – Fadhlina

SHAH ALAM: The conditional pardon granted by Sultan Ibrahim, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was not a decision made by the Prime Minister or Pakatan Harapan (PH).

Keadilan Women’s Chief Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said the power to grant pardons rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, as provided for under the Federal Constitution.

“Keadilan Women respects the decision and upholds the institution of the constitutional monarchy.

“The decision regarding Datuk Seri Najib’s conditional pardon will certainly draw various reactions.”

Najib was granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.

The decision was made at the 64th Pardons Board Meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya held on Friday.

According to the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department, the conditional pardon is subject to Najib paying a RM50 million fine.

Elaborating, Fadhlina said that at the same time, the public must be honest with the facts and not obscure the constitutional position because of political differences.

She said the decision should also not be portrayed as though it had been made by the Prime Minister or PH.

“The government still has a responsibility to provide an explanation to the people. On this matter, our position is clear.

“Respecting this decision does not mean that our position on corruption and abuse of power has changed.

“Justice is born from the courage to fight abuse of power. That principle requires us to ensure that the law continues to take its course regardless of a person’s rank or influence,” she said.

Sinar Harian