PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for an immediate stop to all condemnation and criticism regarding the Pardons Board's decision concerning Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Addressing civil servants during the Prime Minister's Department February assembly today, he said he had engaged with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to to adopt a moderate approach in handling this matter.
"The developments over the past week have sparked extensive discussions regarding the royal pardon involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak, the former Prime Minister.
"Due to the ongoing process and the controversies it has generated, we understand why reactions from both sides have been somewhat intense.
"Many have criticised and launched attacks according to their preferences and perspectives.
"I have spoken with the IGP, and in this case, before the relevant pardon board provides explanations, we should take a moderate approach because we understand that people have firm opinions.
"We should allow a bit of leeway (temporarily), but after the clarification on this decision is made, all of this should be stopped."
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that DAP politician Tony Pua is the first to be summoned for questioning over his remarks on the decision to reduce Datuk Seri Najib Razak's prison sentence and fine.
Razarudin said investigations have been initiated into Pua's Facebook statements.
Pua recently took to Facebook to criticise the Pardons Board's decision on Najib.
Pua posted a series of cryptic messages on his Facebook account, including one that read, "I beg your pardon?"
Anwar added that the public should not dwell solely on the Pardons Board's decision, as numerous national issues deserve the attention of all parties.
"Many issues are yet to be resolved, economic problems, salary harmonisation problems, and those are the main priorities we must focus on. Governance issues are comprehensive.
"Our stance remains steadfast, unwavering; I faced the strongest attacks because I directed all agencies to be firm, and we managed to prevent leadership misconduct from burdening the nation with extraordinary debt."