KOTA MELAKA – DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke's move to seek the disclosure of minutes from the Pardons Board meeting involving former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has been described as politically motivated, with the aim of securing support from Chinese voters in the Melaka state election.
Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate for the Kesidang state seat, Albert Kok, also viewed the move as an attempt to challenge the institution of the Malay Rulers, particularly the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
He said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's power to grant pardons was a constitutional prerogative that should be respected by all parties, including political parties.
“The minutes of the Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, are confidential state documents that should not be questioned or disputed arbitrarily.
“I believe the real intention is to attract Chinese voters. However, the royal institution should not be sidelined in the pursuit of votes,” he said at a press conference at the Kesidang state seat operations room in Taman Malim Jaya here on Monday.
Albert also claimed that Anthony, who is also Transport Minister, had made seditious remarks that amounted to a betrayal of the Federal Constitution.
He urged the police to conduct a transparent, efficient and independent investigation and take appropriate action without being influenced by any party.
Albert said he had lodged a police report against Anthony over the issue at the Batu Berendam Police Station on Monday morning, following a report published by a news portal.
He also warned that continued challenges to the authority and position of the royal institution could undermine its standing as a symbol of the nation's sovereignty.