Anwar need not resign over addendum issue - PKR MP

Summary

• PKR MP Hassan Abdul Karim says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim need not resign over ex-premier Najib Abdul Razak’s royal addendum issue.

• Instead, the Pasir Gudang lawmaker believes Anwar should be praised for upholding judicial independence.

• Hassan emphasises the case also demonstrates Malaysia's robust separation of powers.

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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim need not resign despite his predecessor Najib Abdul Razak being granted leave for a judicial review over an alleged house arrest addendum, said a PKR lawmaker.

Instead, Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim emphasised that Anwar should be praised for his commitment to upholding judicial independence.

“Anwar, personally and as prime minister, cannot arbitrarily comment on whether the royal addendum exists.

“Credit or praise should be given to Anwar, who has repeatedly stated and clarified in and out of Parliament that the government, and he as premier, cannot interfere with court proceedings and judicial decisions,” Hassan said in a statement.

He pointed out that Najib submitted his pardon application to the Pardons Board, chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Anwar is not directly involved in the board’s decision-making.

Yesterday, the Court of Appeal granted Najib permission to pursue a judicial review at the High Court, compelling the government to address the alleged addendum for him to be allowed house arrest.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | Six takeaways on Najib's house arrest bid

The decision prompted PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari to demand Anwar’s resignation, arguing that the government’s actions violated Najib’s right to a fair trial and justice.

Do we want executive interference?

Elaborating, Hassan said Anwar understands his role as prime minister and the responsibilities of the attorney-general (AG) and the judiciary - under the principle of separation of powers.

“Do we want Anwar to interfere in the professional work of government lawyers, known as federal counsel and the AG in the AG’s Chambers?

“Certainly, we do not want Anwar to be forced to act to such an extent,” he added.

Hassan, who is also a lawyer, highlighted that the judiciary emerged as the true victor in this case, demonstrating that decisions by the executive branch, including those of the Pardons Board, can be challenged and reviewed in court.

“The principle of separation of powers is functioning well in Malaysia.

“Najib has not won completely. He must face a full substantive hearing for the judicial review at the Kuala Lumpur High Court. There, he may win or lose,” he said.

The addendum was in addition to the main royal decree that discounted Najib’s 12-year jail sentence and RM210 million fine to a six-year custodial term and RM50 million fine.

Najib was convicted for abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million of funds from SRC International, a former subsidiary of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.

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