COMMENT | Referring to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s statement in an interview last night, it seems that the former is suggesting that it was the king’s decision to grant the pardon of former premier Najib Abdul Razak.

Specifically, Anwar said “I respect the decision of the then king” and “the king, after listening to the Pardons Board, finally decided to reduce the sentence”.

This appears to be a clear attempt by the prime minister to pass the final responsibility for the reduction of Najib’s sentence to the king.

But what Anwar said, whilst politically convenient for his government, is constitutionally wrong.

The responsibility for this pardon lies squarely upon the federal government, and...