Anwar says he backed Najib’s pardon application to protect every prisoner’s constitutional right to appeal

On November 13, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed his decision to submit former Prime Minister Najib Razak's pardon application to the Pardons Board in 2023. Anwar explained that this action was taken to safeguard the constitutional right of every prisoner to seek an appeal through the Pardons Board. As the nation's leader, Anwar stated, he was unwilling to be perceived as barring any individual from seeking the King's consideration for their pardon, in line with the Federal Constitution.

"As the leader, I couldn't stand by and deny someone their constitutional right," Anwar said. The move was not solely for Najib, as the government also allows other prisoners to submit pardon applications, he added. Anwar emphasized that every prisoner with a medical letter, letter from the Prisons Department, and a letter for good behavior had their appeal submitted.

When discussing Najib's house arrest, Anwar mentioned that the public might not be prepared for such a decision yet, as the government focuses on fighting corruption, and they did not wish to appear undermining these efforts. The house arrest order was granted upon King's compassion and consent after considering all factors, and the government followed the decision.

The Attorney-General's confirmation of the house arrest via the court was a necessary process, not defiance against a royal decree. Anwar urged young people to concentrate on rejecting corruption and abuse of power and championing the welfare of citizens, particularly the low-income group, rather than the house arrest debate.