[UPDATED] Anwar confirms will be part of Najib’s pardon process, says no conflict of interest

SHAH ALAM – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that he will be part of the pardon process involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak, but maintained that there is no conflict of interest.

He said this is as the hearing for pardon applications will have to abide by due process, while the final decision will be made by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Anwar also dismissed suggestions that an ongoing appeal being made by Umno to the king for a full pardon for Najib would affect the relationship in the unity government, noting that every party has the right to file for pardon.

“Although there is a process to follow, and I will be in that process, in the end, as we know, the question of awarding of honorific titles and pardon is at the Agong’s discretion.

“As such, there is no need for us to debate the matter in public as this process must be adhered to,” he said after attending the launching ceremony of the Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme here today.

Anwar said this when asked to comment on whether the pardon appeal filed by Umno would affect the government and if he would be part of the Pardons Board hearing Najib’s application.

Under Article 42(5) of the federal constitution, a Pardons Board for each state as well as the federal territories shall consist of the attorney-general, the chief minister or minister in charge of the federal territories, and not more than three other members appointed by the ruler.

Anwar’s administration, however, does not have a specific federal territories ministry, with its responsibilities now placed under the Prime Minister’s Department, meaning the PKR president is de facto minister.

His response today could be an indication that he would be part of the Pardons Board reviewing Najib’s application.

When asked to comment on a potential conflict of interest, since his government consists of Umno, Anwar said this will be not the case, reiterating that the pardon process must be fully respected and honoured.

He added that it is premature for him to make further comment on the matter as he has yet to even read Najib’s application.

“I’ve not seen anything except for Umno’s resolution. Parties and individuals, including those convicted, have the right to appeal. I don’t want to preclude anyone on that matter.

“But what the process is, of course, it is very elaborate. It has to be followed, and finally, the decision is solely at the discretion of the Agong.”

On August 23, 2021, the Federal Court upheld Najib’s guilty verdict and his 12-year prison sentence for his SRC International Sdn Bhd corruption case.

Later, on March 31, Najib’s application for his case to be reviewed was rejected by the apex court in a 4-1 decision.

His lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the dissenting judgment allows room for Najib to file for further review. That dissenting judgment similarly prompted Umno to appeal to the Agong. – The Vibes, April 8, 2023