Don't Blame PM for Najib Pardon Decision, Says Tengku Zafrul

Tengku Zafrul Tengku Aziz, a senior political adviser to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has pushed back against suggestions that the government made the decision to grant a royal pardon to former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

Tengku Zafrul's statement comes as questions linger over the circumstances surrounding the pardon, which significantly reduced Najib's prison sentence on corruption-related charges. The adviser emphasised that such matters fall outside the purview of the sitting Prime Minister.

The remarks reflect ongoing sensitivities within Malaysia's political landscape regarding the pardon, which has drawn scrutiny from various quarters. The decision was made through constitutional mechanisms that do not directly involve the executive leadership, according to Tengku Zafrul's position.

The pardon has remained a contentious issue, with observers across the political spectrum offering varied interpretations of its implications for Malaysia's governance and anti-corruption efforts. The government's clarification suggests it wants to manage perceptions about its role in high-profile decisions affecting former leaders.