Johor MB invokes Rukun Negara, warns politicians against dragging palace into Najib row

Johor's Menteri Besar, Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, has warned politicians against involving the royal institution in the ongoing controversy surrounding former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's house arrest. He emphasized that the royal family should not be dragged into partisan disputes and stressed the importance of loyalty to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King). The Johor chief cautioned against disrespecting the monarch, especially when questioning his constitutional role within the Pardons Board.

Article 42 of the Federal Constitution states that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has the prerogative to grant pardons, and this power is exercised through the Pardons Board, which includes representatives from the federal government and the Attorney General. The King himself has stated that the conditional pardon order is clear and must be respected.

Onn Hafiz pointed out that the Johor royal institution has already made it clear that challenging the decree is an act of defiance against the royal authority. He urged the parties involved, including DAP lawmaker Tony Pua, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and the Malaysian Bar Council, to direct their concerns to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim rather than the monarchy.

Onn Hafiz reminded them that the second principle of the Rukun Negara is loyalty to the King and country. He also noted that Anwar has confirmed that he will personally submit the pardon application to the Pardons Board agenda.