Najib's house arrest bid: Umno leaders slam AGC's statement

Summary

• Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh questions whether Anwar Ibrahim's 2018 pardon adhered to similar procedures.

• Umno supreme council member Puad Zarkashi criticises the AGC for its "late" response, accusing it of political bias and contributing to a "trust deficit".

• Former PKR youth leader urges Akmal to avoid divisive statements, stressing the differences between Anwar's pardon and Najib's ongoing case.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC)’s clarification yesterday that Najib Abdul Razak’s bid for house arrest must go through the Pardons Board has ignited strong reactions among Umno leaders.

While Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh questioned whether Anwar Ibrahim’s 2018 pardon followed the proper procedure, Umno supreme council member Mohd Puad Zarkashi criticised the AGC’s "late" statement, claiming it has contributed to a growing "trust deficit".

"A simple question for the attorney-general: when PMX (Anwar) received a pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at that time, was it brought before the Pardons Board?

"This is because, at the time, the cabinet had not even been formed yet. The people can judge for themselves," Akmal said on social media.

For the record, Istana Negara confirmed that Anwar was granted a full pardon on May 16, 2018.

At the time, the comptroller of the Royal Household, Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz, clarified in a statement that then-Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V had consented to the pardon based on the advice from the Pardons Board.

"The appeal for a full pardon for Anwar was presented and considered by the 51st Pardons Board meeting for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya on May 16, 2018.

"In line with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, on the advice of the Pardons Board, consents to grant a pardon and immediate freedom to Anwar effective from the date of the Pardons Board meeting," Wan Dahlan stated.

‘Too late’

Puad described AGC’s statement as "too late" and should have been issued a year ago when the addendum decree issue first surfaced.

"Now it is too late. The damage is done. Public perception has already solidified," he said.

Puad further alleged that the existence of the addendum decree is undeniable and accused the attorney-general of concealing facts, lacking independence, and being influenced by politics.

"Najib and his family are seen as victims of hasty, malicious, and vindictive charges. The 'trust deficit' is becoming harder to repair," he added.

In its statement yesterday, the AGC said it had been decreed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar that all clemency pleas for crimes committed in the Federal Territories must adhere to proper procedures through the Pardons Board.

This, the AGC clarified, is to ensure the king’s decisions, made based on the advice of the Pardons Board, are not challenged in court.

"Therefore, if anyone wishes to propose for any prisoner, including Najib, to serve his remaining sentence under house arrest, the relevant application should be made for consideration by the Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in accordance with existing laws and regulations," the AGC said.

‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing’

Akmal's "question" did not sit well with former PKR youth deputy chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman, who described the Umno youth leader as "a wolf in sheep’s clothing".

"I don’t understand why Akmal is questioning whether the pardon for Anwar was processed through the Pardons Board.

"If his intention is to appear heroic by attacking the prime minister while questioning the AGC, it is clear that he is a divisive leader - a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

"If he cannot contribute to strengthening unity, he should not be the hands that tear it apart."

Syed Badli stressed that Akmal should not compare the pardons for Anwar and Najib, as the two cases were fundamentally different.

He stated that Anwar received a full pardon from the Agong because His Majesty at the time believed the case involved a "travesty of justice". Najib has already received a pardon, but there is an additional order (addendum) whose existence is now being disputed.

As a youth leader, Syed Badli advised Akmal to exercise greater caution before making any statements.

"Thus, I advise Akmal to be more cautious before issuing any statements, as his reckless actions could jeopardise the harmony of the unity government," he concluded.

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