Pardons Board should reveal justification for Najib decision, says reform platform

Photo: Reuters

PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territories Pardons Board should reveal the justification for commuting Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s sentence and reducing his fine, says the CSO Platform for Reform.

"The Madani government should present the reason for the reduction to show their transparency in fighting the issue of corruption," said the movement in a statement on Saturday (Feb 3).

"This is clearly enshrined in the Federal Constitution under Article 42(9) which mandates the disclosure of any written opinion by the Attorney General to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” it added.

CSO said the importance of transparency in this regard goes beyond mere procedural compliance as the Pardons Board needs to function as a foundation, instilling public trust in the pardon mechanism mandated by the Federal Constitution.

"Issuing this amnesty will have profound implications that go beyond its immediate impact on individuals involved,” it said.

CSO added that questions will arise regarding promises made by the government on how it will eliminate the symptoms of corruption.

“How can the government fulfill their promise to create a clean government and restore the public's confidence in their credibility,” said CSO.

The CSO Platform for Reform is a coalition of more than 60 Malaysia-based civil society organisations focusing on institutional reform.