KUALA LUMPUR — Applications for a pardon or remission of a sentence must be submitted by the prisoner concerned for consideration by the Pardons Board, which is chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Istana Negara, in a statement today, said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has prerogative powers under Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution to grant pardons.
This provision also grants the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the power to grant reprieves and respites for offences committed within the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.
His Majesty may also remit, suspend, or commute sentences imposed by the courts for such offences.
“The Yang di-Pertuan Agong exercises this authority with the advice of the Pardons Board, which is chaired by His Majesty.
“Therefore, any party wishing to propose pardon or remission of sentence for a prisoner must ensure the application is submitted by the prisoner for consideration by the Pardons Board chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the next meeting,” read the statement.
Istana Negara also reminded all parties to respect the Federal Constitution and adhere to the laws.
The palace’s statement comes ahead of Monday’s Court of Appeal hearing for former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak who is seeking the government’s confirmation and implementation of a royal addendum order for him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence for corruption under house arrest.
Najib is appealing the high court’s dismissal of his judicial review on the addendum order.
Political parties Umno, which Najib led previously, and PAS, are planning to hold solidarity rallies for him outside the Palace of Justice on Monday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when asked if the palace’s statement was related to the upcoming solidarity rallies, replied, “You must read”.
“You must read, digest, and accept the decree of His Majesty’s statement,” Bernama quoted him telling reporters after visiting Lestari Niaga MADANI@KL 2 in Kg Pandan, here, today. – January 3, 2025