PM once again calls for all parties to respect decision by Pardons Board

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim once again called on all parties to respect the Pardons Board's decision to commute Datuk Seri Najib Razak's sentence.

He explained that the Pardons Board's decision to reduce Najib's jail sentence and fine was due to the 'mercy and compassion' of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the decision is conclusive and beyond dispute.

Speaking at the Prime Minister’s Department’s monthly assembly, he also denied suggestions that Najib needed to serve at least three years of his sentence before his pardon application could be heard.

"Anyone who has been convicted (for the first time) can apply for a pardon, in line with the process.

"Whether His Majesty wishes to clarify the decision is entirely at His Majesty's discretion," he said.

Earlier, the Pardons Board said the former prime minister's prison sentence and fine had been reduced.

This means that Najib will be released on August 23, 2028, which is much earlier than what was set before.

The Pardons Board also decided at its meeting on January 29 to cut the fine imposed on him from RM210 million to RM50 million.

If the fine is not paid, one year will be added to his remaining time in jail, which means that he will then be released on August 23, 2029.

Anwar said that if there are still lingering disputes among the public regarding the issue, they can submit a memorandum to the former King.

He also stated that his deputy, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, has never threatened or presented a dichotomy to influence decisions.

Following the decision by the Pardons Board, Umno said it respected the decision.

“While we uphold the Federal Constitution, Umno is saddened by the decision,” it said in a statement, adding that they would continue the fight to free the former Umno president “based on provisions of the law."

"This is also in line with the decision made at the last Umno general assembly to continue defending Najib," it said after a four-hour supreme council meeting at the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. - The Vibes, February 5, 2024