KUALA LUMPUR – Set up a royal commission to study the possibility of drafting an amnesty bill that would subject the Pardons Board to checks and balances as a measure to prevent past leaders from claiming they were politically persecuted, said DAP’s Dr Boo Cheng Hau.
Boo, who is Johor DAP committee member, pointed to a precedent in which former Selangor menteri besar Datuk Seri Harun Idris was convicted of corruption but released from prison after getting a royal pardon in 1982.
The pardon was recommended by then prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“Mahathir has left no qualms that the then government recommended Harun’s royal pardon based on the political necessity at that material time.
“All past leaders being investigated and prosecuted for corruption and abuse of power shall show their magnanimity by cooperating with the authorities.
“They should also be reminded to avoid creating political commotions and dramas that are intended to divert public attention from MACC (Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission) investigations upon themselves.
“Undue political commotions and dramas should be viewed as attempts to tamper with the due legal and democratic process by creating a false public impression of political persecution,” said Boo in a statement.
The DAP man added that clemency for prominent convicts of corruption charges is not well received by the populace in other countries.
“Clemency could only be considered for convicts who have debilitating health conditions and other specific terms and conditions, especially a lifelong ban on former convicts from taking up public offices and corporate positions.
“A transparent amnesty law can only be considered after it is proven that it would benefit the nation in the process of reconciliation and unite the nation in moving forward. The present unity government should not be taken at ransom by any parties to achieve their personal goals and political agenda.”
He said an amnesty law would ensure the independence and transparency of all institutions and authorities, including the Pardons Board and the Attorney-General Chambers.
As for the royal commission, it could also examine past excesses, including the necessity of an emergency declaration during the pandemic, which led to non-transparent government allocations and expenditures for which the people and taxpayers deserve to have full knowledge of the process.
Discussions about the powers of the Pardons Board came about after former prime minister and convict Datuk Seri Najib Razak filed a judicial review application, alleging the existence of an addendum order issued by the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which allegedly allowed him to serve his remaining jail term under house arrest.
On January 29, the Pardons Board decided to halve Najib’s prison sentence from 12 to six years and reduce his RM210 million fine to RM50 million. – April 25, 2024