KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 9): Umno took offence at Pakatan Harapan’s call for those convicted of corruption to serve their full sentences imposed by the courts.
The power to grant pardons is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s prerogative right and should not be questioned by any party, according to a statement by Umno secretary general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Umno does not intend to pre-empt Pardons Board or demand any decision, he noted.
“Any decision made through valid process should be respected by all parties,” Asyraf said.
The remarks comes on the heels of the Pakatan Harapan Secretarial Council statement on Sept 8 urging those convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, to serve the full sentences imposed by the courts.
Pakatan Harapan’s statement did not name any individual. However, it comes amid reports that the Pardons Board is scheduled to meet on Sept 11 to consider, among other matters, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s bid for a pardon over his convictions linked to the multibillion-ringgit 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.
The board is chaired by the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. Najib is currently serving a reduced six-year jail term and a RM50 million fine after being found guilty of seven charges, including abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering.
Asyraf also questioned Pakatan Harapan over its past support for the pardon of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He was granted a full royal pardon in May 2018 following the downfall of the Barisan Nasional.
“Even though he had not yet finished serving his full sentence at that time, why a different standard should be applied to another party?” he said.
Further, Pakatan Harapan’s latest action has indirectly revealed its "true colours", having repeatedly trivialised and questioned the Institution of the Malay Rulers for its own political interests, Asyraf said.
“This clearly contradicts the principles and terms agreed upon together in the agreement to form the Malaysian unity government,” he added.