SHAH ALAM: The conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will not affect his other criminal and civil cases, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said there would be no letting up and that the court cases against Najib would proceed.
“We have not surrendered, and we will not surrender.
“We will proceed with the cases that are still before the courts.
“The 1MDB case is continuing, and the civil cases are also continuing,” he said at a reunion hi-tea gathering for pioneers of the Reformasi movement here yesterday.
On Najib’s conditional pardon, Anwar stressed that every prisoner, including the former prime minister, had the right to submit a petition to the Pardons Board.
“What I have said is that every prisoner has the right to submit a petition. I will continue to defend that right.
“Anyone, including Datuk Seri Najib, has the right to submit a petition for consideration by the Pardons Board.”
Anwar also explained that the Prime Minister’s advice, as well as the Attorney General’s views, formed part of the Pardons Board’s process when considering a petition.
He noted that his advice did not amount to a recommendation for a pardon.
“Did my advice lead towards that decision? No.
“I continued to remind them about the cases that are still ongoing.”
Anwar also said he had reminded the board to consider the amount of the fine, as well as the impact on public confidence and international perception.
Although the Prime Minister’s advice is considered in various matters, he noted that the power and discretion to decide on a pardon rested with the Ruler or the King.
“Once a decision is made, we accept it,” he said.
