I gave my views on Najib’s pardon bid honestly and candidly, says Yeoh

Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh stated that she had openly and sincerely expressed her opinion on former Prime Minister Najib Razak's pardon request during the Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting on September 11, after carefully reviewing the written opinion from the Attorney-General.

Yeoh, a member of the board, emphasized that her views were made "honestly and candidly, guided by my conscience and in the country's interest," according to a statement released today. This comment came in response to remarks made by Law and Institutional Reform Minister Azalina Othman Said concerning the postponement of Najib's pardon application.

According to Yeoh, her comments were made in her role as the minister overseeing the federal territories. She reiterated that, under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, the ultimate authority and decision-making power lie with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, including deciding whether to postpone any ruling on Najib Razak's pardon.

Just prior, Azalina had reportedly stated that any queries or further explanations about the deferment of Najib's pardon should be directed to Yeoh. She clarified that, although the Legal Affairs Division falls under her jurisdiction, it primarily functions as the secretariat for the Pardons Board and she does not serve as the minister responsible for the board.

On September 11, the division released a statement stating that the Agong had granted permission to postpone the decision on Najib's pardon application to a subsequent meeting of the board.