PM: Decision to defer Najib’s pardon petition based on law, not personal prejudice

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarified that the decision to postpone former Prime Minister Najib Razak's petition for a royal pardon was based on the Federal Constitution, the rule of law, and official legal counsel. Anwar emphasized that his role on the Pardons Board was confined by statute and guidance from the Attorney-General.

He explained, "A prime minister, whoever he is, must have a voice and give his views based on the law, on advice from the Attorney General and on the rules. That is what I did." However, he noted that the final decision rested with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, who must consider all relevant factors in the Pardons Board meeting.

Anwar urged the inquiry into Najib’s pardon not to be influenced by personal biases but viewed through the lens of legal standards and governance. He reiterated that he provided his views within this framework, avoiding prejudiced or hateful perspectives. Although political pressures, including appeals from Umno leaders, were taken into account, Anwar affirmed his commitment to fulfilling constitutional duties through principled governance.

The decision to defer the pardon was communicated on Sept 11, following the 63rd Pardons Board Meeting for Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya at Istana Negara. In December 2022, Najib was sentenced to 15 years in prison and fined RM11.4 billion for abuse of power and money laundering involving funds from the 1MDB scandal.