KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has criticised the Pakatan Harapan secretariat council for pre-empting the consideration of the Pardons Board.
Its secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki also criticised Pakatan for allegedly questioning the pardon powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"The power to grant pardons is a prerogative of His Majesty, clearly provided for under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, and should not be questioned by any party.
"If Pakatan was able to support the pardon granted to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim even though he had not completed his full sentence at the time, why should a different standard now be applied to others?" said Asyraf Wajdi in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 9).
Pakatan on Wednesday (Sept 8) issued a statement saying that those convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentences imposed by the courts.
It added that any decision involving high-profile cases must take into account public confidence in the country's commitment to its reform and anti-corruption agenda.
Asyraf Wajdi said Umno, unlike Pakatan, had no intention of pre-empting the consideration of the Pardons Board or demanding any particular decision.
"Whatever decision is made through a lawful process must be respected by all parties," he said.
He said Pakatan's latest move had indirectly exposed its "true colours", claiming that the coalition had on several occasions belittled and questioned the institution of the Malay Rulers for political interests.
"This clearly runs contrary to the principles and conditions mutually agreed upon in the agreement establishing the Unity Government," he said.
Asyraf Wajdi said Umno remained steadfast in upholding the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and upholding His Majesty's powers.
"Any attempt to exert pressure on, or directly or indirectly sow negative perceptions towards, this institution constitutes a betrayal of the Constitution and the nation," he said.
