PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Pardons Board's decision to reduce Datuk Seri Najib Razak's jail sentence and fine was due to the 'mercy and compassion' of the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
During the monthly assembly with the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) at Dewan De' Seri Endon, Puspanitapuri, he said the pardon board's decision is conclusive and beyond dispute.
He said whether the King wished to elaborate on the decision depended on His Majesty.
"The Agong engages in various matters as outlined in the constitution, and several provisions empower His Majesty's discretion, including decisions of the Pardon Board.
"The decision of the meeting results from careful consideration and was an act of compassion. Whether His Majesty wishes to clarify the decision is entirely at His Majesty's discretion.
"Members of the pardon board will express their individual perspectives, and anyone is entitled to appeal to the board for further deliberation."
Anwar added that if there are lingering disputes among the public regarding the issue, they can submit a memorandum to the former Agong."The considerations made by the pardon board are based on the foundation of the appeal, taking into account the individual's roles, contributions, and services.
"And if there are still those dissatisfied with the decision, they can choose to submit a memorandum to the former Agong rather than now," he said.
Anwar also said that the board's decision does not indicate a cessation of his reformation agenda on corruption, and his administration maintains a firm stance on governance issues.
He clarified that his deputy, Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi, has never threatened or presented a dichotomy to influence decisions.
"It is untrue. The judicial process is ongoing, and there have been no threats from Zahid Hamidi regarding the pardon board's decision.
"However, he has the right, or his party has the right, to request that the prime minister and the board consider it.
"I do not deny, whether I like it or not, whether they are political allies or adversaries, the principle of justice and its process must be respected.
"It's easy to discuss but challenging to implement. This is the essence, whether one aspires to be a leader or not."
On Feb 2, The Federal Territories Pardons Board chaired by then-Yang diPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah decided to reduce Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fine as well as halve his 12-year jail term to six.
The former prime minister will be released from prison on Aug 23, 2028.
Najib was sentenced to 12-years jail after he was found guilty of one count of abuse of power with regard to Retirement Fund Inc's (KWAP) RM4 billion loan to SRC International Sdn Bhd, as well as three counts each of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power involving RM42 million of SRC funds.
He was also fined RM210 million.
SRC is a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).
In August 2022, the Federal Court upheld the conviction.
The 70-year-old former Pekan member of Parliament is still facing four charges of abusing his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount.