PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, has reiterated that the minutes of the Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting concerning the pardon of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will not be disclosed to the public.
She clarified that the document is confidential and exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Pardons Board, making it unavailable for public scrutiny.
“The meeting minutes are confidential. It is the Pardons Board’s right, and we cannot make it open to the public,” Dr. Zaliha stated during a press conference following the launch of the Kiosk Sentuhan Madani by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday.
Proposed Disclosure of Meeting Details
This statement came in response to a suggestion by PKR International Bureau Chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, who proposed that the meeting details be disclosed to dispel speculation about the existence of a Titah Adendum (Royal Directive) allowing Najib to serve his prison sentence under house arrest.
However, Dr. Zaliha emphasized that this matter remains the prerogative of the Pardons Board and cannot be made public.
Background of the Sentence
In February, Najib’s prison sentence was reduced from 12 years to six years, with the associated fine decreased from RM210 million to RM50 million. This decision sparked public debate and speculation over the process that led to the reduction.
Najib’s lead counsel, Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, previously alleged that a Titah Adendum from Istana Negara had been sent to the Attorney General’s Office in January 2024, yet it was not publicly announced.
Speculations Persist
Meanwhile, Najib is awaiting judicial review proceedings to obtain official confirmation of the existence of the Titah Adendum.
Conclusion
Dr. Zaliha urged all parties to respect the Pardons Board’s decision and allow the legal process to take its course. While this issue continues to garner public attention, she stressed the importance of maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the nation’s legal system.
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