PKR hits back at Asyraf over claim PH questioned Agong’s pardon powers

PKR has dismissed Umno secretary-general Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki's assertion that the Pakatan Harapan questioned the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's constitutional authority to grant pardons as flawed. Saifuddin Shafi Muhammad, PKR's deputy secretary-general, emphasized that PH never denied the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's right to grant pardons under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution.

He urged not to conflate inquiries into corruption with disloyalty to the monarchy, asserting that these are distinct issues. Saifuddin stressed that the monarchy should be respected while corruption should be combated unreservedly, and that Umno should not invoke the monarchy to evade scrutiny of its own integrity and public confidence.

He also questioned Asyraf's direct reference to PH, noting that the coalition had not singled out any political party or particular case when advocating for full sentence compliance for individuals convicted of corruption or abuse of power. This exchange follows Asyraf's claim that PH had questioned the Agong's pardon powers when it demanded full sentence compliance for those convicted of corruption or abuse of power.

The controversy comes as the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) prepares to meet to consider Najib Razak's clemency application, which has gained renewed attention. Najib, 72, was convicted six years ago for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International and sentenced to 12 years in prison, which he is currently serving.

The FTPB later reduced his sentence to six years and fine to RM50 million. Last December, High Court judge Alice Loke rejected Najib's request to serve the remaining six-year term under house arrest.