PUTRAJAYA - Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said every inmate, including former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has the right to apply for a royal pardon.
He said the applications will be considered on the basis of courtesy and without prejudice.
"As I have said every offender or inmate has the right to file an application for pardon.
"(Each application) will be assessed by the Pardon Board in a professional manner without prejudice,” he told reporters after officiating the 2023 Labour Day Celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here, today.
He said this when asked to comment on differing views given by party leaders in the government on Najib’s application for a royal pardon.
On Friday, Amanah appealed to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah to refuse Najib's royal pardon.
Communications Director of Amanah, Khalid Abdul Samad said granting Najib's pardon would convey a negative message to the public, the judicial system, and the world regarding the attitude towards corruption and abuse of power.
Anwar stated the Federal Territories Pardon Board meeting on Friday did not discuss Najib’s pardon.
On April 9, Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed on April 9 that the party is trying to schedule a date to meet with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and present an appeal for Najib's pardon.
The Umno Supreme Council had previously requested the courtesy of His Majesty to consider granting a full pardon to the former party president in accordance with the powers provided under Article 42 (1) of the Federal Constitution.