Najib's pardon appeal only discussed briefly in Cabinet meeting, says Saifuddin

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet only briefly discussed Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's appeal for a royal pardon, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

The Home Minister said the decision to grant a pardon is not under the Cabinet's jurisdiction.

"We talked about the matter briefly. Such matters are under the jurisdiction of the Pardons Board," he told reporters at a press conference at Home Ministry headquarters here on Wednesday (Jan 31).

ALSO READ: ‘Wait for Pardons Board’

Asked who would make the announcement, Saifuddin said he had no locus standi to do so.

"I cannot answer on behalf of the Pardons Board," he said.

ALSO READ: Pardons Board meeting was held at Istana Negara, confirms Dr Zaliha

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil previously said that news about Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's appeal for a royal pardon should come from the Pardons Board and not based on sources.

He was referring to a news portal's report, citing a source, claiming that the board had granted a full pardon to Najib. The news portal later removed the report and apologised to its readers