Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Royal pardon decision rests with King, not PM or coalition
Education Minister Fadhlina Aziz has clarified that any conditional pardon granted to former Prime Minister Najib Razak would be a prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, not a decision made by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim or the Pakatan Harapan coalition.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — Education Minister Fadhlina Aziz has emphasised that the authority to grant conditional pardons to prominent figures lies exclusively with the Malaysian monarchy, dismissing suggestions that such decisions fall within the purview of the government or ruling coalition.
Her remarks come amid ongoing speculation about the status of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is serving a jail sentence following his conviction in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad scandal. Any modification to his sentence would require the King's approval under Malaysia's constitutional framework.
Fadhlina's statement underscores the constitutional separation between the executive branch, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and the sovereign powers retained by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. The minister's clarification appears aimed at countering perceptions that Pakatan Harapan wields direct influence over such matters.
The distinction between governmental and royal authority remains a sensitive issue in Malaysian politics, particularly regarding high-profile cases involving former leaders. Constitutional experts have consistently maintained that pardons and sentence remissions fall strictly within the King's discretionary powers, regardless of the government in office.
Fadhlina's comments reflect the government's position that any decisions regarding Najib's legal status must originate from the palace, not from Putrajaya.