PETALING JAYA: The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has refuted claims by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who alleged that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s pardon was invalid as it did not follow proper procedures.
The AGC said a meeting of the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, was held on May 16, 2018 at the Istana Negara.
"The Pardons Board meeting was chaired by (then) Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V and was attended, among others, by Dr Mahathir himself in his capacity as the prime minister then," said the AGC in a statement on Tuesday (June 3).
The AGC said upon the advice of the Pardons Board, Sultan Muhammad V had also graciously consented that the petition for a full pardon for Anwar and ordered for his immediate release with effect from the date of the sitting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
"For the purpose of the said meeting, the AG had also provided a written legal opinion on the matter in accordance with Clause (9), Article 42 of the Federal Constitution for the consideration of the Pardons Board
"The AGC views this matter seriously as it involves constitutional and institutional interests. The AGC also emphasises that any statement which could mislead the public regarding the decision of the Pardons Board is wholly inappropriate," it said.
The statement was issued following allegations by Dr Mahathir in a recent TikTok video, where he cast doubt on the validity of the pardon process.
He alleged that he had signed the pardon document without receiving advice from the then-attorney general, Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali, who was said to be on garden leave at the time, and further claimed that no meeting of the Pardons Board had been convened.
Sultan Muhammad V granted Anwar a full pardon in May 2018.
