Anwar: Election wins cannot override constitutional role of Malay Rulers

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned that election victories cannot be leveraged to challenge or remove Malay Rulers, emphasizing that monarchy positions are firmly rooted in the Constitution and laws. Rejecting claims of facilitating former Prime Minister Najib Razak's conditional pardon, Anwar reiterated that such disputes should be handled through legal channels rather than political parties or media outlets.

Anwar clarified that a State Executive Council is responsible for deposing a Ruler, questioning the basis for such a claim during election campaigns. He stressed that the people elected representatives to safeguard the royal system, and winning elections does not negate respect for the monarchy. Anwar argued that the constitutional monarchy's legitimacy stems from heritage, legacy, culture, and legal frameworks, not political parties or electoral outcomes.

The Prime Minister underscored that the Federal Government remains committed to defending the Malay Rulers' system and ensuring decisions concerning royalty are not made arbitrarily for political gains. He vowed to utilize the full resources of the government to uphold the constitutional standing of Malay Rulers.

Regarding Najib Razak's conditional pardon, Anwar refuted allegations that he had facilitated the decision. He reiterated that every prisoner possesses the right to appeal to the Pardons Board, chaired by the King, for review. Anwar affirmed that the Pardons Board, guided by the advice of the Prime Minister and Attorney-General, holds the authority to consider pardon requests, with the final decision resting with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

He clarified that matters pertaining to pardons and award conferment lie within the exclusive constitutional authority of the Sultan and Rulers in their respective states or the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the federal level. Anwar emphasized that his earlier statements about Najib's pardon were not intended to sway the outcome, but rather to consider legal proceedings, including those linked to 1MDB and civil suits.

He reiterated the MADANI Government's stance that corruption and abuse of power should be addressed through legal channels.

Anwar's remarks followed the King's grant of a conditional pardon to Najib Razak, permitting his continued house arrest until August 23, 2028, contingent upon payment of a RM50 million fine and adherence to additional conditions.