JOHOR BARU: The conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and should be respected, says Johor MIC chief K. Raven Kumar.
Raven said Johor MIC welcomes the conditional pardon, stressing that Najib had contributed significantly to the country, including to the Indian community.
“We respect and welcome the decision from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong because this is the prerogative of the King.
“Datuk Seri Najib is a political leader for over 40 years and has contributed a lot to the country as a mentri besar, a minister, a deputy minister, deputy prime minister and prime minister.
“He has worked hard for the country and is one of the prime ministers who has done a lot for the Indian community, including us in Johor,” he told the press when met after officiating the Johor MIC Youth convention on Sunday (Sept 20).
He said this when asked to comment about the conditional pardon given to Najib that was announced on Friday (Sept 18).
Raven also urged all parties to respect the decision, stressing that the former prime minister was not the only one who had received a pardon.
“This is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and His Majesty has valid reasons for making the decision.
“Datuk Najib is not the only one who has received a pardon. Just about a week before that, His Majesty also pardoned 65 prisoners.
“So, why is it specifically on this decision that there are so many reactions?” he asked when asked to comment on the reactions to Najib’s conditional pardon.
Meanwhile, on an unrelated matter, Raven said MIC was also looking into bringing more youths into the party.
“We now have a 29-year-old deputy state executive councillor, which is a good sign that shows the party is moving in the right direction.
“We hope to empower and give more opportunities to our youths,” he said.
