Waytha challenges PM to release royal pardon petition in 24 hours

Malaysian Advancement Party (MAP) president P Waythamoorthy has issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, demanding that he release the full documents of his royal pardon petition within 24 hours.

In a statement yesterday, Waythamoorthy called for complete transparency regarding Anwar’s petition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that led to his release from prison on May 16, 2018, saying only such a disclosure would allow Malaysians to know exactly what their current prime minister requested from the king.

According to official records cited by Waythamoorthy, Anwar submitted three separate petitions for pardon. The first two - submitted on March 16, 2015, and Feb 27, 2017 - were both rejected by the King. His third petition, submitted on May 16, 2018, was approved.

“Only through such disclosure can Malaysians know exactly what Anwar requested from the king,” said the former minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

He said these documents would prove whether Anwar applied solely for a pardon under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, or whether he also sought the lifting of his disqualification to contest elections under Article 48(3) of the Constitution.

Waytha also questioned whether Anwar followed traditional clemency procedures by acknowledging guilt and expressing remorse.

“Traditionally, an inmate seeking a royal pardon first acknowledges guilt, expresses deep remorse, and places himself entirely at the mercy of the King. Did Anwar do this? Malaysians deserve to know.

“For the sake of national interest and transparency, Anwar must immediately make public his full petition for pardon. Is he prepared to do so? The Malaysian people are waiting,” he added.

Originating summons

On Tuesday, Waythamoorthy filed an originating summons against Anwar, claiming that Anwar’s status as MP and prime minister is unconstitutional.

In the suit filed at the Kuala Lumpur High Court, Waythamoorthy is seeking a declaration that Anwar’s disqualification as a member of the august House “was never revoked” by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in accordance with Article 48(3) of the Federal Constitution.

“This is a matter involving misrepresentation and the misleading of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (at the time), in the appointment of the defendant as prime minister under Article 43 of the Federal Constitution.

“This is an unprecedented and extraordinary situation in our country, where His Majesty’s decision was obtained based on a false qualification or misrepresentation, thereby undermining the role of the Constitution and the powers of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he alleged at a press conference on Tuesday.

He is also seeking a court declaration that Anwar’s victory in the Tambun parliamentary seat during the 15th general election on Nov 19, 2022, and his subsequent appointment as prime minister on Nov 24, 2022, are null and void.

Following this, DAP MP for Bangi, Syahredzan Johan, questioned the timing of the lawsuit.

In a Facebook statement, Syahredzan said the legal action followed Waythamoorthy’s meeting with Bersatu leaders.

Syahredzan described Waythamoorthy’s suit to disqualify Anwar as “frivolous and vexatious”.

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