Anwar: I will be part of Pardons Board panel to decide on Najib’s fate

(The Star) – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be part of the Pardons Board panel to decide on former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s request for a royal pardon.

Anwar also said that any individual can apply for a pardon in Malaysia and it will be subject to the law and the legal process.

“I will be part of the process and on the matters of the awarding of honorific titles and pardons, that is the prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

“We don’t have to debate this in public because we have to go through that process,” said Anwar after launching a program at a People’s Housing Project in Shah Alam on Saturday (April 8).

Anwar also said there is no issue of conflict of interest with him being part of the Pardon’s Board.

“I have not seen the process. We have to look at the case. I think it’s a bit premature for me to comment now, because I have not seen anything except Umno’s resolution,” said Anwar.

Anwar reiterated that any convict has the right to appeal.

“I don’t want to preclude anyone in that matter. But the process is, of course, very elaborate. It has to be followed and finally, the decision is solely the discretion of the Yang di-Pertuan,” said Anwar.

According to Article 42(5) if the Constitution, it stated that the Pardon Board consists of the Attorney-General. the Chief Minister or Mentri Besar, or the Federal Territories Minister, and no more than three members appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

In December last year, the Federal Territories Ministry was restructured into a department under the Prime Minister’s Department.

Anwar did not announce a Federal Territories Minister when he announced his Cabinet last December.