Prime Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the conditional pardon granted to former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak does not compromise the government’s commitment to fighting corruption and abuse of power.
Anwar said all corruption cases, including ongoing proceedings involving Najib, must continue according to the law, stressing that the principle of the rule of law remains intact.
He said his responsibility as PM was to advise on the legal implications, national stability and rule of law, while taking into account the Attorney General’s written advice.
However, Anwar said the Federal Constitution ultimately provides for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s powers in matters of pardon and called for the decision to be respected.
Anwar added that Malaysia must remain firm against misconduct and abuse of power for personal enrichment, saying public support was crucial to ensuring corruption laws are not taken lightly.
On whether specific standard operating procedures were needed for house arrest, Anwar said the matter fell under the Home Ministry’s jurisdiction.
His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, on Sept 18 granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to payment of a RM50 million fine.
The decision was made at the 64th meeting of the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya at Istana Negara on Sept 18.
