Anwar: Najib has right to seek pardon, but wider impact must be considered

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim defended former Prime Minister Najib Razak's right to seek a pardon, but emphasized that the broader impact on public confidence and international perceptions must also be considered. Anwar rejected allegations that he had facilitated Najib's conditional pardon, stating that every prisoner has the right to appeal for consideration.

He clarified that Najib has the right to submit his appeal to the Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and must also take into account ongoing court cases and a substantial fine when making the decision. Anwar continued to remind the Pardons Board of these factors, including the size of the RM50 million fine and the potential impact on public confidence and international perceptions, before the conditional pardon was granted on Friday.