KUCHING, Feb 3: The Madani government administered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should present a reason to justify the reduction of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s jail term and fine.
CSO Platform for Reform (CSO Platform) steering committee in a statement yesterday (Feb 2) said this right is clearly enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution under Article 42(9) which mandates the disclosure of any written opinion submitted by the Attorney General to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“In emphasising the public’s right to this information, it not only questions transparency but also the critical aspect of upholding accountability in the legislative process.
“Article 42(9) illustrates the legal recognition of the public’s right to access details related to the pardon proceedings indirectly increasing public confidence in the pardon board,” the committee said.
According to the committee, in Najib Razak’s situation, the aspect of transparency can be put into practice by fully disclosing the reasons behind his application so that it can give the public a clear understanding of the basis for obtaining the pardon.
It said this unjustified amnesty will have profound implications that go beyond its immediate impact on the individuals involved and damage the fundamental principles of the rule of law and erode the essential elements that underpin a just and stable society.
Yesterday, the Federal Territories Pardon Board cut Najib’s twelve-year jail term to six years. — DayakDaily
