PETALING JAYA: Respecting the decision of the Pardons Board to grant Datuk Seri Najib Razak a conditional pardon does not mean denying the court’s decision, says MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
Dr Wee believes that the judicial and pardon processes should be understood as two separate processes within the framework of the Federal Constitution.
“Accordingly, respecting the decision of the Pardons Board does not mean denying the court’s decision, just as respecting the court’s decision does not mean questioning the power of pardon provided by the constitution.
“Both form an integral part of the country’s legal and constitutional system and must be respected,” he said in a statement yesterday.
MCA, Dr Wee added, would continue to uphold the principles and supremacy of the constitution and the rule of law as enshrined in the Rukun Negara, while honouring the institution of a constitutional monarchy, which serves as one of the nation’s primary pillars.
“Our party will also remain steadfast in the principle that institutions must be respected, the law must be upheld, and integrity must be defended,” he said.
Dr Wee added that the party expressed its appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for granting the conditional royal pardon.
The conditional pardon, allows Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
The conditional pardon is subject to the payment of a RM50mil fine and compliance with the conditions imposed throughout the period of house arrest.
