SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described critics questioning his decision to present the issue of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's Titah Addendum to His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim, who serves as the Chairman of the Pardons Board, as lacking in knowledge and uninterested in seeking the truth.
The Prime Minister stated that, as someone who has previously been imprisoned, he believes every individual, including prisoners, has the right to appeal for a pardon against their imposed sentence.
"I went to prison the first time under (Tun Dr) Mahathir (Mohamad) and the second time when Najib was Prime Minister... but now I am the Prime Minister, and I hold no grudges or envy.
"When I saw in the meeting that there was no agenda for Datuk Seri Najib's appeal, I said I would present the pardon appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consideration," he said while officiating the FLYsiswa Carnival and MADANI Student Transportation Carnival at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) on Thursday (Dec 12).
Anwar mentioned that when he decided not to comment on the issue, he was accused and criticized for allegedly trying to conceal the truth about the Titah Addendum, whereas the decision was made to respect the ongoing legal proceedings in court.
On Tuesday (Dec 10), Anwar, while responding to questions during Prime Minister's Question Time (PMQT) in the Dewan Rakyat, informed that he had presented the Titah Adendum issue to His Majesty the King because it continued to be raised.
Previously, the Court of Appeal set January 6 next year to hear Najib's appeal regarding the High Court's decision to dismiss his application for judicial review and notice of motion filed by the former Prime Minister to submit additional evidence related to the Titah Addendum.
In this regard, the Attorney General's Department has urged all parties to respect the court proceedings and refrain from making any statements that could be considered sub judice.
The Prime Minister also expressed his intention to raise the matter before students to share insights into the legal processes that must be adhered to, highlighting that as future leaders, they must possess the integrity to seek the truth behind any debated issue.
"I speak because I consider these young people not only future leaders but also have a role as leaders now.
The issue of values and humanity is happening now... you must determine the policy now and not allow those who cause chaos, incite, and destroy our unity to act as they please," he said. - Bernama
