PUTRAJAYA: The conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will not affect the government’s commitment against corruption, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the principle of the rule of law remains intact, and that the granting of a conditional pardon does not mean the country should bow to the practices of embezzlement and corruption.
“As the Prime Minister, my duty is to provide advice on the legal implications, the stability of the country and the principles of the rule of law, as well as to follow the advice and guidance set out fully and at length by the Attorney General.
“But ultimately, the Constitution vests the power in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and I hope that we will accept this in good faith.
“Beyond that, I want to stress that the principle of the rule of law remains intact.
“Our commitment to taking action against all cases of corruption is not affected, and this does not mean that the country should bow to the practices of embezzlement and corruption,” he said after performing Friday prayers here on Friday (Sept 18).
Najib has been granted a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, provided he pays a reduced fine of RM50mil.
The decision was made during the 64th meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board on Friday (Sept 18), which was chaired by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.
In an official statement released today, the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department confirmed that the conditional pardon remains strictly subject to Najib fulfilling all specified conditions, including payment of the RM50mil fine.
“He must comply with all set conditions. If he fails to comply with any of these terms, the conditional pardon will be automatically revoked, and he must immediately serve the remainder of his sentence in prison,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Anwar said all corruption cases, including Najib’s ongoing case, must proceed according to due process.
“This country must be saved, and we need the firmness and support of all Malaysians in ensuring that this is a country governed by the rule of law.
“This country will no longer take lightly any misconduct or abuse of power to enrich any leader or any member of the public. This is our position,” he said.
