KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — All applications for pardons related to offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya must be submitted to the Pardons Board, which is chaired by the King, said the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC).
It said that it had been instructed by His Majesty to inform the public that such applications must follow the procedures and channels prescribed by law and regulations in force, and not through any other means.
"Therefore, if any party wishes to propose that any prisoner, including former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, serve the remainder of their sentence under house arrest, the application for such a matter must be submitted for consideration by the Pardons Board chaired by the King," the AGC said in a statement today.
Under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution, the King has the authority to grant pardons, reprieves and respites for offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.
Article 42(2) of the Federal Constitution further provides that the King may remit, suspend, or commute any sentence imposed by the courts.
"In this matter, decisions made by the King based on the advice of the Pardons Board under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution are also subject to applicable legal provisions to prevent such actions from being challenged in court for being unlawful," it said.
Najib, 71, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence after being found guilty of misappropriating RM42 million belonging to SRC International Sdn Bhd.
The High Court initially sentenced Najib to 12 years in prison and imposed a RM210 million fine. However, the sentence was reduced to six years in prison and the fine was reduced to RM50 million following a royal pardon petition filed on Sept 2, 2022.
The former Pekan MP has claimed there is a royal addendum decree allowing him to serve the remainder of his six-year prison sentence under house arrest.
— Bernama
