Umno accuses PH of questioning Agong’s power to grant pardons

Umno, the Malaysian nationalistic party, has accused the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition of questioning the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's authority to grant pardons. This criticism emerged after PH called for those convicted of corruption or abuse of power to serve their full sentences. As Umno's secretary-general, Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, explained, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the prerogative to grant pardons under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, which should not be subject to debate by any political party.

He emphasized that any decision made by the pardons board should be respected by all parties, as long as it results from a lawful process. In addition to his criticism of PH, Dusuki also alleged that the coalition was undermining the Malay rulers' institution for political gain, which he deemed a betrayal of the constitution and the country.

This accusation follows PH's statement asserting that ongoing judicial proceedings should proceed without any perception of external influence, while still fully supporting the Agong's earlier call for a thorough investigation of cases against any party involved. The exchange is particularly relevant as the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) prepares to consider Najib Razak's pardon application, which is scheduled for discussion at its upcoming meeting.