JOHOR BARU: An MP here has defended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's response regarding a Royal addendum involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim stated that as Prime Minister, Anwar needs to be cautious in responding to the issue as it involves constitutional law and the separation of powers.
"Given the status of the appeal, which will be decided by the Court of Appeal, Anwar's response was right and appropriate. As the Prime Minister, the head of Cabinet and the executive power, he cannot preempt the judiciary. This is how the principle of separation of powers functions in Malaysia," he said in a statement on Sunday (Dec 15).
Hassan added that Anwar's response, pointing out that the hearing in the Court of Appeal for Najib's case has been scheduled for Jan 6, was reasonable and should be accepted.
"Let's wait patiently for the Court of Appeal’s decision. Let the Parliament executive and judiciary carry out their respective duties," he said.
On Tuesday (Dec 10), Anwar said the law does not allow him to provide any explanation on the Royal addendum issue as it involves the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Pardons Board.
Anwar also pointed out that the hearing in the Court of Appeal for Najib's case regarding the royal addendum has been scheduled for Jan 6.
"Is it reasonable for us to comment before the (hearing)? The answer is no, as Standing Order 23(1)(g) of the Dewan Rakyat prohibits it.
"Therefore, as stated by the Attorney General (AG), we should respect and place trust in the legal institution," he said in response to Kota Baru MP Takiyuddin Hassan during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Dec 10).
Takiyuddin had asked the Prime Minister to reveal the purported existence of a royal addendum that would allow Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
On Monday (Dec 9), the AG's Chambers advised all parties to refrain from making any statements that are sub judice and prejudicial relating to Najib's appeal over a purported addendum on his pardon that allowed him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
In a statement, it noted that the Court of Appeal fixed Jan 6 to hear Najib’s application to adduce further evidence, and another application over failure to gain leave for his judicial review over the addendum.
Najib, 71, is serving a six-year jail sentence in Kajang Prison after being convicted in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.
