PUTRAJAYA: PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil today acknowledged the criticism levelled against the party following their silence over the Pardons Board decision to reduce the prison sentence and fine of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Fahmi, who is also the communications minister, however, said that the party was bound by its principles and discipline.
"We acknowledge the views given. (However,) we adhere to the principles and the discipline of the party," he said during a press conference held after the cabinet meeting, today.
Fahmi said this when asked whether he was aware of the criticism, including one from former PKR vice-president N Surendran who described the silence from Pakatan Harapan (PH) and DAP lawmakers towards the police investigation against a senior DAP leader Tony Pua as shameful.
On Feb 2, Pua took to Facebook to criticise the Pardons Board's decision on Najib's sentence and shared a series of cryptic messages on his account, including one that read, "I beg your pardon?" The post also saw him being summoned to Bukit Aman following an alleged derogatory statement towards the Royal Institution.
At the same time, when asked whether he agreed a justification for the matter should be given, Fahmi who is also the government's spokesman said the matter had been addressed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Citing an article by a constitutional expert Professor Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, Fahmi added that the article also mentioned that any discussion within the board is confidential.
"The prime minister has already explained (the matter) during the monthly assembly (this week) and we will follow that.
"As far as I know, the cabinet has not discussed the need for the board to make any statement (on the justification), there has never been one before."
On Monday, Anwar called for an immediate stop to all condemnation and criticism regarding the Pardons Board's decision concerning Najib.
He also said that the board's decision to reduce the sentence was influenced by Najib's contributions to the nation, including his role, life journey, contributions to his family, prison life, services, and contributions to the community.
The Federal Territories Pardons Board reduced Najib's prison sentence from 12 to six years and the fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Najib was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million after being found guilty of abuse of power, breach of trust and money laundering involving RM42 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).