MELAKA: Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan has reminded all parties against using the issue of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest as campaign material in the Melaka election.
He said political leaders, particularly those holding ministerial positions, should not involve the public in campaigning on the matter.
“Granting a pardon is the absolute prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Malay Rulers. Whatever our views may be, that prerogative cannot be questioned.
“The matter is enshrined in the Federal Constitution. As such, questioning it would mean questioning the country’s Constitution.
“As ministers, we must respect the Constitution because it forms the foundation of our nation. We must not undermine it, as doing so could harm the country,” he said.
Mohamad, fondly known as Tok Mat, was commenting on DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke’s call for Melaka voters dissatisfied with the decision on Najib’s house arrest to express their views through the ballot box.
He said the issue should not be used as campaign material, adding that political leaders must understand the limits of what could be raised.
“Do not use this matter as a campaign tool. We must know what can and cannot be discussed.
“Granting a pardon is an absolute prerogative. Anyone may express their views, but we cannot question the absolute prerogative of the Malay Rulers.
“The matter is enshrined in the Constitution. I hope Najib’s house arrest will not be used as campaign material. He has not been released; instead, the house has been gazetted as a prison,” he said after meeting members of the Durian Tunggal community here today.