PETALING JAYA: PAS welcomes the royal conditional pardon for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, says its secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
He said the development is highly significant not only to Najib’s family, but also to Malaysians who have consistently remembered and appreciated his contributions and service as a leader who brought development to the country and prosperity to its people.
“We further pray that Najib will continue to be blessed with good health while serving the remainder of his sentence at home.
“We are confident that he can still contribute his ideas, views and experience for the benefit of the country,” said Takiyuddin.
The Pakatan Harapan presidential council said it stands firmly with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s stance on Najib’s pardon decision, while maintaining its commitment to fighting corruption.
The council said it will also stand by the advice provided by the Attorney General and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories)Minister to the pardons board.
“We also emphasise that no one is above the law. Anyone convicted of an offence must serve their sentence in accordance with the law as enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
“We remain committed to continuing efforts to combat corruption, advance the reform agenda and rid the nation of corruption and power abuse,” said the council.
Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said the party respects the powers of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, as provided for under the Federal Constitution.
However, the party also recognises Najib’s conviction in the case involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) was an offence decided by the courts.
“Its impact on the country cannot be forgotten,” Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said in a media statement yesterday.
Bersama’s Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli also called on the Prime Minister and Pakatan Harapan leaders to clarify what the conditional royal pardon meant.
“Anwar and the Pakatan leaders must provide a proper explanation and avoid repeating the same argument that the matter is beyond their control.
“This is not a matter of politics, but a debt Anwar and Pakatan owe the people regarding 1MDB – specifically to the unsung individuals who took great risks in carrying out their daily duties until the became public knowledge.
“At the height of the 1MDB scandal between 2015 and 2018, Anwar was in prison.
“The responsibility of championing the people’s rights regarding 1MDB was shouldered by ordinary citizens – civil servants, media personnel and activists,” said Rafizi.
“The 1MDB scandal also persuaded some citizens who had never previously voted for Pakatan Harapan to elect them as the government in the 2018 general election.”
Political party Muda said Pakatan has a duty to ensure that the government still rejects “kleptocracy”.
“Pakatan won the people’s mandate on the issue of 1MDB. The strong support given by voters was based on a belief that this coalition would fight against corruption, put an end to abuses of power and bring those responsible for the country’s largest financial scandal to justice,” said Muda in a statement.
