Puteri Umno warns against politicising constitutional power of pardon

The constitutional power of pardon held by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Rulers and Yang di-Pertua Negeri should be respected and not utilized as a political instrument, according to Puteri Umno chief Datuk Nurul Amal Mohd Fauzi. Article 42 of the Federal Constitution grants this power to these entities, and any questioning or denial of this authority is equivalent to challenging a power expressly provided for in the nation's supreme law.

The royal institution is a crucial pillar of the country's sovereignty and is not merely a symbol, with its position enshrined in both the Federal Constitution and the constitutions of states with rulers. Nurul Amal emphasized this point during her policy speech at Puteri Umno's delegates conference in Kuala Lumpur. She reiterates that belittling or denying the constitutional power of pardon is not a matter of party politics, but rather a matter that cannot be manipulated based on current political interests.

The royal institution forms a part of Malaysia's national identity and constitutional system and should be respected irrespective of political differences or changes in government. Nurul Amal also stressed that political disagreements should not be employed to undermine the royal institution's standing or authority. She further noted that while political circumstances may evolve and governments may come and go, the royal institution and the Constitution must persistently be safeguarded.

Political dissensions or interests should never be considered a justification to erode public trust in the royal institution.