From Malay Mail · Malay Mail · · 1m 10s
Azalina: Pardon power is part of the law
Umno chief says royal pardon power stays within constitutional law.
In brief
Umno chief says royal pardon power stays within constitutional law. Azalina Othman Said clarifies that pardon authority under Article 42 of Malaysia's constitution does not place individuals above the law. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Azalina Othman Said
Umno information chief Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said emphasizes constitutional pardon power does not place individuals above law.
“The principle of the rule of law is not in dispute. No individual, government or institution is above the law.”
Constitutional Pardon Power
Article 42 of Federal Constitution provides pardon mechanism, not extrajudicial authority.
“The power of pardon was expressly provided for under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution and was therefore not a power exercised outside the law.”
Najib's Conditional Pardon
Former prime minister Najib Razak received conditional royal pardon to serve remainder of sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028.
“His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim granted Najib a conditional pardon allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028”
Pardon Process Clarification
Courts determine guilt and sentences; Article 42 provides constitutional mechanism for pardons, reprieves and remissions.
“The existence of the constitutional power of pardon does not mean that a court’s decision is disregarded”
Legal Process Requirements
All actions must follow constitutional process, not political interpretation or perception.
“The respective roles of the Pardons Board, the Attorney General and the relevant Minister must be understood in accordance with Article 42 and the prescribed constitutional process”
Najib's Legal History
Najib convicted in 2020 over RM42 million misappropriation from SRC International, began prison sentence in August 2022.
“Najib was convicted in 2020 over the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International”
Pardon Conditions
Najib must pay RM50 million fine and comply with undisclosed conditions to remain under house arrest until August 23, 2028.
“His original sentence was halved to six years and his RM210 million fine reduced to RM50 million following a review by the Federal Territories Pardons Board in 2024”
What to remember
Azalina Othman Said clarifies that pardon authority under Article 42 of Malaysia's constitution does not place individuals above the law.
