KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked those who have criticised Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s sentence reduction to submit a memorandum to the former Agong for an explanation.
During the monthly assembly this morning, he said that the decision was made solely by former Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah before his reign ended on January 29.
“I know that there have been numerous comments and strong criticism regarding the reduction of the former prime minister’s sentence in the past week.
“But people must know that it was not just me; the Pardons Board’s decision involved many people.
“As a prime minister, I conveyed that appeal petition for the pardon to the board, which is chaired by the king,” he said, addressing members of the Prime Minister’s Department today.
The king based his decision on compassion and mercy after carefully considering the explanations presented to him, Anwar added.
“His decision is rooted in compassion, not necessarily fully constrained by the law, but it is ultimately final.
“Whether the former Agong chooses to provide an explanation for the rationale behind his decision is solely at his discretion,” Anwar said.
Last Friday, the Pardons Board halved Najib’s jail term to six years and cut the fine he must pay to RM50 million from the court-ordered RM210 million.
Najib began his initial 12-year prison term on August 23, 2022, following the Federal Court’s dismissal of his final appeal in the SRC International Sdn Bhd case.
He was tried before justice Nazlan Ghazali (now a Court of Appeal judge) in the Kuala Lumpur High Court on seven counts of abuse of power, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust involving RM42 million in funds belonging to SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.
On July 28, 2020, he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to a 12-year jail term on each charge. Nazlan ordered that the jail terms run concurrently.
Anwar added that people should know there is a process involved that must be adhered to before a pardon is given.
In hearing Najib’s appeal petition, Anwar said, “The board heard on what basis the appeal was made: his position, his life before and during imprisonment, his responsibility and contribution to the people, his family, and the country.
“Then the judicial body will explain his case, his penalty, and his other cases.
“After this, every member of the board will give their opinions, and ultimately the Agong is the one who decides on the pardon.
“So how can the prime minister or the king be made fully accountable for this decision?” he asked.
He said the king had pardoned numerous individuals, whether they were ministers or ordinary citizens, for various crimes, including murder, in the past; therefore, this is not something new.
Anwar said that it is understandable for people to have strong comments and opinions on this matter. However, it is hoped that, with the explanation provided, everyone will stop. – February 5, 2024