AS Malaysians, we are privileged to be guided by the wisdom of our monarchy, and I am compelled to reaffirm my unwavering respect for the sovereignty and authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
His Majesty’s recent statement that the process of pardon must proceed through the proper channels is a timely reminder of the sanctity of our constitutional framework. Daulat Tuanku!
MIC fully respects and upholds His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree regarding the prerogative powers provided under Article 42 (1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution, which grant the authority to pardon, commute, and remit sentences for offences committed within the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.
This constitutional provision is a cornerstone of our nation’s legal system and reflects the wisdom and fairness of the monarchy in ensuring justice.
MIC, along with other political parties, had planned to gather on January 6 in solidarity with Datuk Seri Najib Razak, and I find that there is nothing wrong with such a gathering. It is a demonstration of support and unity that does not contravene His Majesty’s decree.
Solidarity gatherings are a democratic right and must be viewed as separate from the formal processes His Majesty has rightfully emphasised.
However, at the same time, we must also respect the addendum issued by the 16th YDPA, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, which permitted house arrest conditions for Najib.
As Najib seeks to address alleged ethical concerns surrounding the judicial process this coming Monday, I firmly believe that his right to a fair and impartial judicial review must be upheld. Justice must always be served in a manner that is transparent and beyond reproach.
As such, MIC will proceed with the solidarity gathering since thousands of MIC members have committed to volunteering for the event. However, instead of gathering at the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya, MIC will hold special prayers for Najib at the Batu Caves Murugan Temple at 11am on January 6.
MIC also warmly welcomes the Indian community at large to join us for these prayers, to collectively pray and wish for Najib to obtain justice on the addendum.
Let us as a nation continue to honor the balance of powers enshrined in our Constitution and respect the processes that safeguard our democracy.
I urge all Malaysians to uphold the principles of respect, unity, and fairness as we navigate these complex times.
Daulat Tuanku! – January 4, 2025
Datuk Seri M. Saravanan is MIC deputy president at Tapah MP