KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reforms, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (Pengerang-BN), asserted today that she does not interfere in the affairs of the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
Her comments came in response to a question from Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan (Kota Bharu-PN), who inquired about the existence of an addendum order in the royal pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The addendum allegedly recommends that Najib serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Takiyuddin pointed out that Azalina would be the right person to address the question, as her ministry works closely with the AGC, and the Attorney-General is a member of the Pardons Board.
However, Azalina appeared baffled by Takiyuddin’s inquiry, especially considering his background as a former law minister. She clarified that her ministry is not involved in the appointment of the Attorney-General and that she has not had access to any of the AGC’s files.
“So are you (Takiyuddin) admitting that, as law minister, you gave directions to the Attorney-General?” Azalina retorted.
This exchange between Azalina and Takiyuddin led to an uproar in the Dewan Rakyat. Efforts by R.S.N. Rayer (Jelutong – PH) to mediate were met with insults, with Datuk Che Mohamad Zulkifly (Besut – PH) calling the DAP lawmaker a “macai.”
Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Abdul Johari intervened, asking Zulkifly whether he understood the meaning of “macai.” Zulkifly responded with several interpretations, including “anak buah” and “pengikut” (followers).
Meanwhile, Najib, who is currently serving a sentence in Kajang Prison, is pursuing a judicial review regarding the alleged addendum order that would allow him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
Earlier this year, the Pardons Board reduced Najib’s prison term from 12 years to six and the fine from RM210 million to RM50 million after he was convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd.
Najib claims that an addendum order, issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, permits him to complete his sentence under house arrest. – November 6, 2024