Anwar: Najib has right to seek pardon, but decision rests with Pardons Board

SHAH ALAM - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that every prisoner has the right to seek a pardon, but any decision on such an application does not rest with the government.

He said the matter must be viewed based on constitutional principles, including in relation to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was previously granted a reduction in his sentence by the Pardons Board.

Speaking at the Perintis Reformis Reunion Hi-Tea on Sunday, Anwar said he respected Najib's right to seek a pardon while stressing that ongoing court cases involving the former prime minister must also be allowed to proceed.

“I stand by the right. Anyone, including Datuk Seri Najib, has the right to apply for a pardon to be considered by the Pardons Board.

“The Pardons Board should assess it. If it is at the Federal Government level, there is advice from the Prime Minister and the Attorney General, and ideally that advice should be heard.

“But as for the decision, can we make it? Is my advice directed towards the decision? No,” he said.

Anwar said the government must continue to uphold constitutional principles in handling the matter, including ensuring that ongoing legal proceedings are not interfered with.

He stressed that cases involving 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and other matters still before the courts should continue through the legal process.

“The 1MDB case is still ongoing. The civil case is still ongoing. It does not prevent (the pardon).

“The advice I give to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is one thing, but I am also the Prime Minister who must submit to the constitutional principles, which set out the process in this manner,” he said.

Anwar also reiterated that the government's position on fighting corruption and upholding justice and integrity applied regardless of who was involved.

He cited the upcoming preliminary report on Felda as an example, rejecting suggestions that government action against alleged abuses of power was politically motivated.

“Next week, the preliminary report on Felda will begin. They say this is revenge. Revenge for what? Abuse of power for what? What can I say to the prosecutor or give my views to the judge? Nothing. Ask the Chief Justice.

“The Chief Justice has full independence and authority to decide,” he said.

Anwar's remarks come after the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim granted Najib a conditional pardon on Friday, allowing him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to conditions including payment of a RM50 million fine.

The decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.

Najib is currently serving his sentence at Kajang Prison following his conviction in the SRC International case.

Meanwhile, the Prisons Department said on Sunday that it was still awaiting formal written notification regarding the conditional pardon before taking further action to implement the decision.

Najib's lawyers also said he remains in prison until the RM50 million fine is paid and that he and his legal team are studying the conditions and their practical implications.