The Controversy Surrounding Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s Pardon Application
Recently, there has been a growing controversy surrounding the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB) and its handling of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application. The situation has sparked debates and calls for transparency in the decision-making process.
Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa’s Response
Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the Federal Territories Minister and a member of the FTPB, has been non-committal when asked about publicizing the board’s deliberations on Najib’s pardon application. Despite calls for transparency, Dr Zaliha has avoided providing concrete answers, leaving many questions unanswered.
Prime Minister’s Senior Political Secretary’s Appeal
On January 7, Prime Minister’s senior political secretary, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Akin, urged the government to release the minutes of the FTPB meeting held on January 29 last year. Shamsul argued that transparency in this matter would help dispel speculations surrounding Najib’s royal pardon and the arrest addendum issued by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
- The FTPB convened to discuss Najib’s royal pardon application submitted in September 2022.
- Najib’s sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was lowered to RM50 million after he filed a petition for a royal pardon.
- In July 2020, the High Court sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison with a fine of RM210 million in the SRC International case.
Legal Challenges and Silence from Officials
On January 6, Najib’s lawyer Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah obtained leave from the Court of Appeal for a judicial review concerning the house arrest addendum as part of the royal pardon granted by the former King. The addendum, reportedly sent by Istana Negara to former Attorney-General Tan Sri Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh on January 29 last year, has raised further questions and legal challenges.
Both Terrirudin and his successor, Tan Sri Dusuki Mokhtar, have chosen to remain silent on the issue when questioned by reporters, adding to the mystery and controversy surrounding Najib’s pardon application.
Conclusion
The lack of transparency and the legal challenges surrounding Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s pardon application have fueled public interest and debates. As calls for accountability and clarity grow louder, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address these concerns and ensure a fair and just decision-making process.
FAQs
1. Why is there controversy surrounding Najib’s pardon application?
The controversy stems from the lack of transparency in the Federal Territories Pardons Board’s deliberations and the legal challenges surrounding the royal pardon granted to Najib.
2. What are the key points in Najib’s case?
- Najib’s sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was lowered to RM50 million after he filed a petition for a royal pardon.
- In July 2020, the High Court sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison with a fine of RM210 million in the SRC International case.