Questions over govt’s stand on Najib’s pardon
“How can Loke say that this is not the government’s stand when Umno, their own partners in the administration, are in full support of the pardon?”
(MalaysiaNow) – One lawyer cites the political context of Umno’s bid for a pardon, while another says no unanimous stand can be reached given the mixed nature of the government.
Questions have been raised about Putrajaya’s stand on Umno’s efforts towards a royal pardon for former leader Najib Razak despite the recent disavowal by a member of Anwar Ibrahim’s Cabinet, with a lawyer citing the prime minister’s presence on the Pardons Board and the composition of his coalition government.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, Rafique Rashid said the board members would include the minister responsible for the federal territories as this was where Najib had been tried.
“In the Federal Board of Kuala Lumpur, of course the attorney-general will be there, as well as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong – and, more importantly, the minister who looks after the region.
“Right now, there is no specific minister in charge of the federal territories, but it will be taken over by the Prime Minister’s Office, that is the prime minister himself.”
He also noted Umno’s partnership with Pakatan Harapan (PH) at the federal level.
“Umno is part of Anwar’s government, and also that of Anthony Loke,” he said, referring to the transport minister who, earlier this month, said the petition for a pardon for Najib was never discussed by the Cabinet.
“How can Loke say that this is not the government’s stand when Umno, their own partners in the administration, are in full support of the pardon?” he added, recalling as well Umno’s support for the formation of Anwar’s government.
