IGP urges public not to attend pro-Najib rally

Summary

• The inspector-general of police urges the public not to attend the pro-Najib rally on Monday.

• Razarudin says this is to respect Istana Negara’s statement earlier today and also for public peace and safety.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain urged the public not to take part in any rallies about the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s right to pardon prisoners.

He said this is based on respecting an Istana Negara statement issued today, as well as concerning public peace and safety.

“Therefore, all citizens are urged to always support the principles of the Rukun Negara, especially on the rule of law as well as courtesy and morality, which are pillars of the country’s prosperity and harmony,” he said in a statement.

Although it was not mentioned, Razarudin was likely referring to the upcoming rally in support of former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

The rally is to be held on Monday (Jan 6), the same date as a court hearing regarding an alleged royal addendum that could potentially allow the former Umno president to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest.

Earlier today, Istana Negara said anyone who wishes to seek clemency for a prisoner must submit their application to the Pardons Board.

It mentioned that the Agong has the power to grant pardons or provide legal relief as per Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution.

Najib was jailed and fined after being found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving RM42 million in the SRC International case.

Following a meeting on Jan 29, 2024, the Pardons Board decided to reduce his sentence to six years imprisonment and slash his fine to RM50 million.

However, there were allegations that the Pardons Board’s chairperson at the time, the then-Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, also made a supplementary order for Najib to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest.

Najib later filed for a judicial review to compel the government to reveal the existence of the royal addendum and to carry it out.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) said last month that Najib’s house arrest bid must go through the proper channel - the Pardons Board - so that such decisions can avoid being challenged in court.

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