Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Anwar defends support for Najib's royal pardon application
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has justified his backing of former premier Najib Razak's petition for a royal pardon, saying he was protecting the constitutional rights of all prisoners to appeal.
LSN Malaysia ·
Anwar Ibrahim said his decision to support Najib Razak's application for a royal pardon was grounded in principle rather than politics, emphasizing that every individual deserves access to constitutional remedies regardless of their past office.
The Prime Minister made the remarks in Alor Gajah, explaining that upholding the rule of law meant ensuring fair treatment for all prisoners within the legal framework. He stressed that backing the former premier's right to petition was consistent with constitutional protections afforded to every citizen.
Anwar's comments came as the pardon application remained under consideration by the palace. The Premier's position has sparked debate among political observers and the public, with supporters noting his commitment to legal principles and critics questioning the optics of a sitting premier endorsing his predecessor's appeal.
The issue highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Najib's conviction and imprisonment related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal. Anwar's intervention signals the government's effort to maintain institutional neutrality on matters of royal prerogative while affirming constitutional safeguards.