KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong’s decree on any pardon or sentence reductions for convicted prisoners must be understood and accepted, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Read, understand and accept it,” the Prime Minister said briefly after visiting traders at the Lestari Niaga Madani @ KL 2 site here yesterday.
Anwar was asked about the statement issued by Istana Negara earlier yesterday that the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong has the prerogative to pardon, postpone sentences and relieve punishments for offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan based on provisions under Article 42(1) and 2 of the Federal Constitution.
It pointed out that the King can also remit, suspend or lighten any punishment by the courts for the offences and that His Majesty’s power is exercised with the advice of the Pardons Board, which he chairs.
The statement added that any application for pardons or reduced sentences must be submitted by the prisoner for consideration of the Pardons Board.
Separately, Anwar who is the Pakatan Harapan chairman, said the coalition would not be involved in the planned solidarity rally for jailed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Man of the people: Anwar meeting with visitors and traders at the Lestari Niaga Madani @ Wirawati in Kampung Pandan, Kuala Lumpur. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
The rally is planned at 9am on Monday outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, held to coincide with the Court of Appeal’s hearing related to an alleged royal addendum order that will apparently allow Najib to serve the rest of his prison term under house arrest.
Najib is seeking a mandamus order where if the addendum order exists, all or one of the respondents must execute the royal order and immediately move him from Kajang Prison to his residence in Kuala Lumpur for him to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest.
In 2022, Najib was handed a 12-year sentence after being found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering in relation to RM42mil that had been siphoned from SRC International, a former subsidiary 1Malaysia Development Bhd.
He was also fined RM210mil.
However, in February 2024, the Pardons Board decided to commute Najib’s jail term from 12 years to six and reduce the fine to RM50mil.
Meanwhile, speaking at the monthly assembly of the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya earlier, Anwar said Cabinet’s third retreat session will be held soon.
He said the session would not only focus on successes but also serve as an opportunity for ministers to address weaknesses in the current administration.
