KUALA LUMPUR – Government backbencher William Leong (Selayang-PH) has reiterated calls for the Pardons Board to disclose its basis for granting a reduced sentence to convicted former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, Leong said that while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) has explained that it is the King’s constitutional prerogative to grant pardons, public anger and unease over the decision has yet to subside.
As such, Leong proposed an application be sent to the former Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, to allow for the issuance of a statement clarifying matters.
The immediate past Agong, who is also the sultan of Pahang, had been on the Federal Territories Pardons Board that reduced Najib’s sentence at its January 29 meeting, a day before he ended his reign. The new King is Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim, who ascended the throne on January 31.
The board, Leong said, should inform the people on the reasons behind the partial pardon and explain the recommendations made to the former Agong by members of the board.
“Although the Agong has full discretionary powers (to grant pardons), the public is entitled to be informed of the reasons for (Najib’s) applications and recommendations (by the board), including any written opinion by the attorney-general.
“Such a statement would show the Agong’s spiritual leadership (and) is important to ensure the people’s trust in the pardons mechanism enshrined in the constitution,” Leong said during his debate on the royal address in Parliament today.
He also cautioned that if the Pardons Board does not issue an explanation on the matter, the public might suspect abuse of power and have the impression that those in power are afforded “impunity to commit corruption”.
“I request an explanation from the minister on whether records on (Najib’s) role, life journey, family, contributions to the community and the country were considered (during the pardons process).
“At the same time, was his record (of previous contributions) weighed against the severity of his crimes?” Leong questioned.
Previously, reforms non-governmental organisation Projek Sama had urged Attorney-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh to disclose his written opinion regarding the remission granted to Najib.
On February 2, the Pardons Board secretariat for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya announced the reduction of Najib’s sentence from 12 years to six, along with a decrease in his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Najib’s original sentence and fine was ordered by the high court in July 2020 for misappropriating RM42 million of SRC International Sdn Bhd’s funds.
The Federal Court upheld the conviction and sentence and Najib began serving his prison term on August 23, 2022. – March 4, 2024