KUALA LUMPUR – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, has confirmed that the Pardons Board convened a meeting some time yesterday.
While she said the meeting took place at Istana Negara here, she did not disclose the topics discussed.
“Wait for the official statement by the board,” she told reporters after a city hall event in Bandar Tun Razak here today.
This comes amid speculation over a possible decision by the Pardons Board regarding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Also today, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah ended his reign as Yang di-Pertuan Agong with a send-off ceremony as he flew back to his home state of Pahang.
Zaliha was reported as saying that the board convened after several postponements.
The convening of the Pardons Board and its deliberations are protected by the Official Secrets Act. However, the result of Najib’s pardon bid has been a matter of speculation for weeks.
Earlier this month, Najib’s lawyer, Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah, said neither his client nor his office have been updated on the pardon petition that was filed some 16 months ago.
He added that under Article 42 of the federal constitution, the power of pardon is a prerogative power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Najib is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence in Kajang Prison over charges of abuse of power, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust relating to RM42 million belonging to former 1Malaysia Development Bhd subsidiary SRC International Sdn Bhd.
According to the federal constitution, the Pardons Board for the Federal Territories also includes its minister, the attorney-general, and up to three members appointed by the Agong. – January 30, 2024