KUALA LUMPUR – Umno has hit back at Pakatan Harapan (PH) over its stance on clemency matters, saying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional powers to grant pardons should not be questioned.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki made the statement after reports emerged that former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is among 155 cases expected to be considered by the Federal Territories Pardons Board when it meets on September 11.
Najib’s reported inclusion on the agenda has reignited debate over the role of the Pardons Board, with PH previously stating that individuals convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should serve the full sentences imposed by the courts.
In a statement on Wednesday (September 9), Asyraf Wajdi said the power to grant pardons is a prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution and should not be challenged by any party.
“The power to grant pardons is a prerogative of His Majesty, clearly provided for under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, and should not be questioned by any party.
“If Pakatan was able to support the pardon granted to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim even though he had not completed his full sentence at the time, why should a different standard now be applied to others?” he said.
On Wednesday, PH’s secretariat council said those convicted of corruption or abuse of power must face the full consequences of their convictions, adding that decisions involving high-profile cases must consider public confidence in the country’s reform and anti-corruption agenda.
Asyraf Wajdi stressed that Umno had no intention of influencing or pre-empting the Pardons Board’s deliberations, nor was the party seeking any specific outcome.
“Unlike PH, Umno has no intention of pre-empting the consideration of the Pardons Board or demanding any particular decision.
“Whatever decision is made through a lawful process must be respected by all parties,” he said.
He further claimed that PH’s position reflected its “true colours”, alleging that the coalition had previously undermined and questioned the institution of the Malay Rulers for political purposes.
“This clearly runs contrary to the principles and conditions mutually agreed upon in the agreement establishing the Unity Government,” he said.
Asyraf Wajdi said Umno remained committed to defending the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and His Majesty’s constitutional authority.
“Any attempt to exert pressure on, or directly or indirectly sow negative perceptions towards, this institution constitutes a betrayal of the Constitution and the nation,” he said.
Najib, who is currently serving a six-year prison sentence over the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, previously received a sentence reduction from the Pardons Board in 2024, which cut his jail term from 12 years to six years and reduced his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
His latest reported clemency consideration comes as Umno continues to push for further relief for its former president, while PH leaders have maintained that those convicted of major corruption offences must be held accountable to preserve public confidence in the country’s anti-corruption efforts. – September 9, 2026