BN tells govt to heed palace statement, expedite Najib’s house arrest

Barisan Nasional (BN) has called upon the government to heed the palace's statement and expedite the implementation of Najib Razak's house arrest. In a statement, BN secretary-general Zambry Abd Kadir emphasized that the deferment of the former prime minister's house arrest should not be taken lightly, as it pertains to the respect for the constitutional monarchy, the authority of the king's decrees, and the principle of the rule of law.

Zambry stressed that the palace's assertion that the conditional pardon order was clear, explicit, and unambiguous, with all stipulated conditions fulfilled, should not be taken lightly either. The palace's warning that "any argument disputing the order amounts to defying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's authority" serves as a serious reminder to all parties, especially those responsible for implementing the monarch's decisions and decrees.

Although Umno recently settled the RM50 million fine imposed on Najib after raising funds through a donation drive, the Attorney-General's Chambers has temporarily deferred the implementation of the house arrest to examine legal questions related to the conditional pardon and the implications of the court order. The palace has clarified that the power to grant pardons is a royal prerogative under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, and that this prerogative must be respected without confusion or prolonged uncertainty in its interpretation or implementation.