PUTRAJAYA: The Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department, as the secretariat for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya Pardons Board, confirms that there is no additional document in its official files or records regarding Datuk Seri Najib Razak's purported house arrest.
The division also said that it has not received any official notification or directive from Istana Negara regarding the matter.
"Any statement that could mislead the public about the position or role of the Pardons Board is inappropriate and may warrant appropriate action.
"This step is crucial to safeguard the integrity of the Pardons Board and ensure accurate information is conveyed to the public,” it said in a statement Friday (Jan 10).
According to the division, the 61st meeting of the Pardons Board, held on Jan 29, 2024, was chaired by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
The division said that the meeting deliberated on the pardon application submitted by Najib.
In addition, it clarified that as the secretariat for the Pardons Board, it does not deal with Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, on any matters concerning the Pardons Board.
"The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) is neither a member of the Pardons Board nor involved in any administrative or managerial affairs, including matters related to the pardon of any prisoner,” the statement added.
It also emphasised that the proceedings and information related to the Pardons Board are fully subject to the Official Secrets Act [Act 88], and all related documents can only be accessed by members of the Pardons Board and individuals directly authorised by the Board.
"No other party, regardless of position or rank, has access to these documents, in line with the principles of confidentiality and integrity,” it said.
The statement said that the Pardons Board is an independent body established under the provisions of the Federal Constitution and is not a government agency or department under the Legal Affairs Division. - Bernama
