Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Najib's conditional pardon not PM or coalition decision, says PKR Women
PKR Women's wing chief Fadhlina Sidek has clarified that any pardon granted to former Prime Minister Najib Razak falls solely within the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, not the government or ruling coalition.
LSN Malaysia ·
The clarification comes amid ongoing public discourse surrounding Najib's legal status following his conviction on corruption charges. Fadhlina Sidek, leading the women's faction of the People's Justice Party (PKR), emphasised that pardons and acts of clemency remain the exclusive prerogative of Malaysia's constitutional monarch.
Under the Malaysian Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong possesses the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and remissions of sentence. This authority operates independently of the executive branch, including the Prime Minister and cabinet, ensuring that such decisions rest with the institution of the monarchy rather than elected officials.
Fadhlina's statement addresses speculation that the Pakatan Harapan coalition or the current government holds influence over any potential conditional pardon that may be granted. Her remarks underline the constitutional separation between the monarchy's prerogatives and governmental decision-making, a distinction central to Malaysia's constitutional framework.
The statement reflects efforts by PKR to clarify the party's position on the matter, positioning it as a constitutional rather than political issue. Any future decision regarding Najib's sentence would remain subject to the royal institution's discretion.