In a recent statement, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterated the importance of respecting the decision made by the Pardons Board to commute Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s sentence.
Emphasizing the significance of the decision to reduce Najib’s sentence, the Prime Minister highlighted that the consideration was not solely based on legal matters but involved the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Addressing the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly, Anwar debunked rumors that Najib was required to serve at least three years of his sentence before his pardon application could be heard.
Referring to Article 113 of the Prisons Regulations 2000, Anwar emphasized that the Pardons Board must consider the rights of any detainee or prisoner and provide their views.
Anwar also dismissed claims that every detainee needed to spend a minimum of three years in prison before making an appeal, citing a process that allows the appeal to be heard for first-time detainees.
Reiterating on the issue of the timing of Najib’s appeal, Anwar stated that as soon he received the appeal, he requested the Pardons Board to discuss it, adhering to the meeting’s procedure on December 9, which involved considering the grounds for appeal, the detainee’s life journey, family, life in prison, services and contributions, and in Najib’s case, his contributions to the country.
Anwar stressed that each member of the Pardons Board provides their views, with the ultimate decision resting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Highlighting that the discretion lies with the Malay Rulers, Anwar expressed hope that this explanation would address the issue and stressed that demanding an explanation from a Pardons Board that is chaired and decided by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is not permissible.
Najib has been serving a prison sentence at Kajang Prison since Aug 23, 2022, after being convicted of misappropriating RM42mil from SRC International. On September 2, 2022, he filed a petition for a royal pardon. Following his conviction in 2020 and subsequent dismissals of his appeal, a royal pardon remains his only hope for freedom. – Bernama
