ALOR GAJAH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he brought Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application before the Pardons Board in 2023 to ensure that his right to seek a pardon was not denied.
He said every prisoner had the right to submit an appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consideration under the Federal Constitution.
“I want to explain why I brought Datuk Seri Najib’s case to the Pardons Board in 2023. As prime minister, I could not bear to be seen as having treated anyone unjustly.
“Under our Federal Constitution, every prisoner has the right to submit an appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for consideration. If I had not allowed him to do so, it would have been tantamount to denying him that right,” he said at the Pesta Melaka, Rumah Kita programme at Taman Melaka Perdana here last night.
Anwar, who is also Pakatan Harapan chairman, said his decision had nevertheless drawn criticism from those who accused him of betraying his principles in the fight against corruption.
He said his responsibility as prime minister was to ensure that the application was submitted for consideration, while the decision on whether to grant a pardon rested with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“If I had not done it, I would have been accused of betrayal. When I did it, I was still accused of betrayal. What is this?” he said.
Anwar also said supporting documents, including medical reports, prison records and reports on former prime minister’s conduct, had been submitted as part of the application process.
He stressed that this did not mean the government was compromising its stance on fighting corruption and abuse of power.