Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, the lead counsel for Datuk Seri Najib Razak, has raised serious allegations regarding the process of deliberation by the Pardons Board regarding Najib’s Royal Pardon application.
Shafee asserts that the Board did not adhere to constitutional requirements, casting doubt on the legitimacy of its decisions.
Call for fresh Royal Pardon application
During a press conference, Shafee emphasised the concerns over the opacity and inconsistencies surrounding the Pardons Board’s proceedings, citing them as grounds for filing a fresh Royal Pardon application, reported NST.
He underlined the importance of the Royal Prerogative of mercy, which is solely vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and criticised the lack of clarity in the Board’s actions.
Discrepancies in official documents
One of the key discrepancies highlighted by Shafee was the inconsistency between Najib’s Pardons Board document and official press releases from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
These discrepancies raise questions about the integrity of the process and add weight to the argument for a new application.
Innocence and lack of fair trial as grounds for pardon
Importantly, Shafee clarified that Najib’s application for pardon is not based on an admission of guilt but rather on the assertion of innocence and the lack of a fair trial, particularly at the Federal Court level.
He criticised the handling of Najib’s appeal, citing procedural irregularities and the denial of sufficient time for his new legal team to prepare.
Najib Razak’s conviction and ongoing legal battles
Najib Razak, currently serving a 12-year jail term for charges related to abuse of power and breach of trust concerning SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), has been a central figure in Malaysia’s political and legal landscape.
Despite his conviction being upheld by the Federal Court, ongoing legal battles and controversies continue to surround him.
In a recent development, the Federal Territories Pardons Board reduced Najib’s jail term and fine, sparking further debate and speculation about the motivations behind the decision.
With Najib scheduled for release in 2028 under the reduced sentence, the controversy surrounding his case shows no signs of abating.
