KUALA LUMPUR: An independent review should be conducted into the handling of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest, says the Barisan Nasional MPs secretariat.
Its chairman, Tenggara MP Manndzri Nasib, said the Attorney General (AG) must explain the delay in implementing the house arrest, adding that its eventual implementation did not absolve those responsible for the delay.
“The resolution of the matter also does not excuse responsibility. The AG must answer why the delay occurred and who was responsible for this,” he told a press conference at the Parliament media centre yesterday.
Also present were Tampin MP Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa, Jempol MP Datuk Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli, Libaran MP Datuk Suhaimi Nasir and Beaufort MP Datuk Siti Aminah Aching.
The secretariat’s call comes amid questions over the handling of Najib’s house arrest order.
The former prime minister was allowed to return to his Jalan Langgak Duta residence on Tuesday to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Manndzri said the secretariat also wanted an explanation of what had transpired and why the implementation was delayed on the grounds of seeking legal clarity.
“What were the rectification documents issued to resolve the matter, and if it was through the issuing of a new warrant or correction of existing documents, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) must explain why this was not done earlier or once the issue was identified?”
He said while the AGC had the right to refer legal questions, this did not absolve it of its responsibility to act swiftly, provide accurate legal advice and ensure that any decision was implemented in an orderly manner.
Manndzri also said the AG must clarify his role as a permanent member of the Pardons Board.
“Were the questions raised when the Pardons Board met on Sept 18?” he said.
Najib is currently serving the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
The Nov 6 order allowed Najib to be released from prison upon payment of a RM50mil fine, with the remainder of his SRC International sentence to be served under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028.
