Politics · Malaysia Bureau
PAS demands clarification on Pardons Board's deferment of Najib's bid
The Islamic party has called on the federal government to explain why the Pardons Board postponed its decision on former Prime Minister Najib Razak's pardon application. A senior PAS leader suggested the delay could only have occurred with external intervention.
LSN Malaysia ·
PAS has demanded that Putrajaya provide a transparent explanation regarding the Pardons Board's decision to defer consideration of Najib Razak's clemency petition, raising questions about the independence of the royal institution.
Takiyuddin Hassan, a prominent PAS figure, indicated that such a postponement would be unusual without direction from an outside party. The deferment has fuelled speculation about potential political pressure on the constitutional body responsible for reviewing pardon applications.
The Pardons Board, which operates under the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is tasked with advising the sovereign on clemency matters. Any delay in its proceedings typically suggests extraordinary circumstances or intervention beyond the board's normal operations.
Najib Razak, who was convicted of abuse of power and money laundering related to the 1MDB scandal, submitted his pardon application following his imprisonment. The deferment of the board's decision has become a focal point for opposition parties seeking accountability and clarity on the judicial process.
The controversy underscores ongoing political tensions surrounding high-profile cases in Malaysia, with PAS insisting that government institutions must operate with full transparency and independence from external influence.