Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has urged DAP, Amanah and the Malaysian Bar to direct their questions over Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s conditional pardon and house arrest arrangement to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instead of dragging the Palace into political disputes.
Onn Hafiz, who is also Johor Umno chief, said any confusion surrounding the implementation of the conditional pardon should be addressed by the government and relevant authorities.
He pointed out that Anwar had told the Dewan Rakyat on Dec 10, 2024, that he was the one who brought Najib’s pardon application before the Pardons Board for consideration.
“Their own top leader was the one who brought the matter to the Pardons Board.
“This is their true behaviour, and it is not the first time Tony Pua and his DAP associates have stirred up provocation and controversy involving the royal institution,” he said.
Onn Hafiz also referred to a previous police investigation involving Pua over his remarks concerning the Sultan of Selangor, accusing him of once again attempting to drag the Palace into a political dispute.
Earlier, Pua had questioned the implementation of house arrest for Najib following his convictions in the SRC International and 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) cases in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
He had also suggested that questions surrounding the pardon decision should be directed to the Palace.
Separately, Agriculture and Food Security Minister and Amanah president Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu proposed that all prisoners be given the opportunity to serve half their sentences in prison, with the remaining period served under house arrest.
The Malaysian Bar, meanwhile, has challenged Najib’s house arrest arrangement through legal action, arguing that its implementation is unconstitutional.
Onn Hafiz stressed that disrespect and disloyalty towards the royal institution must never be normalised.
He said every prisoner has the right to seek a pardon, while the power to grant one rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.
He added that the decision was made through the Pardons Board process, which also involves representatives of the Federal Government and the Attorney-General.
Onn Hafiz further said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had made it clear that the conditional pardon order was valid and must be respected.
“His Majesty also emphasised that any arguments disputing the order would be tantamount to defying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree.
“So why does Tony Pua still want the public to direct their questions to the Palace? If there are questions about its implementation, ask the responsible authorities.
“Do not turn the Palace into a target of political disputes,” he said.
He also reminded all parties not to become so engrossed in politics that they forget the second principle of the Rukun Negara, which is Loyalty to the King and Country.
