Pakatan Harapan MP, Hassan Karin of PKR, stated that the decision of the Pardons Board not to pardon former Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, is a clear indication to the courts to uphold justice without fear or bias. He also pointed out that the decision to reduce Najib’s prison sentence from 12 years to 6 years and decrease his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million does not absolve Najib of his conviction.
Hassan went further to emphasize that the Pardons Board continued to respect the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Federal Court, which had all found Najib guilty and did not pardon his conviction. He noted that this move by the Pardons Board upholds the commitment to eradicate corruption in Malaysia, aimed at resolving cases involving corruption and abuse of power, such as the SRC International case.
He stressed that this decision from the Pardons Board sends a strong message to the courts to maintain their independence and uphold the law without fear or bias.
He also highlighted that the decision of the Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, cannot be legally challenged and is the King’s prerogative. This decision must be accepted in a parliamentary democracy with remnants of the feudal system in the constitutional monarchy.
Hassan also pointed out that the Pardons Board is a “court of mercy” and not a “court of laws,” and he fully respects and accepts the decision of the Board, as they did not pardon Najib for his convictions as upheld by the courts.
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