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

MELAKA, Nov 13 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim firmly dismissed claims that he or his government defied the wishes of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, regarding the issue of house arrest for former Prime Minister Najib Razak. Speaking at the "Ngopi Santai" programme held in Melaka state, Anwar reiterated the Pakatan Harapan party's commitment to the constitutional monarchy system and adherence to established legal processes.

He emphasized that the decision to place Najib under house arrest was not under his authority as Prime Minister, while the Attorney-General's decision to bring the case to court aligned with his responsibility to uphold the rule of law. Anwar expressed his relations with the King, stating, "They accused me of being disloyal to the King. I am the Prime Minister, and the King called me this afternoon. We have a good relationship."

Najib Razak has been incarcerated for four years in the SRC International case, and allowing him to serve his sentence under house arrest was beyond the Prime Minister's authority, according to Anwar. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered Najib to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest at his residence in Langgak Duta, Malaysia, with immediate effect.

Anwar also highlighted the government's commitment to sound governance, free from leakages and corruption, which enabled the allocation of significant funds for various initiatives. These include RM16 billion for the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programs, RM18 billion for this year's public service salary adjustment, and RM200 in schooling assistance for the upcoming year.

During the program, Anwar urged voters in Ayer Molek state constituency to consider voting for the PH candidate, Muhammad Hakimin, in the upcoming 16th Melaka state election.