Perikatan Nasional (PN) has demanded an explanation from the government over the delay in implementing a house arrest order involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
PN secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the arrangement should be implemented as soon as possible if there were legal provisions allowing Najib to serve the remainder of his prison sentence at home.
Takiyuddin, a former magistrate, also pointed out that payment of the fine imposed by the court would have implications for any additional jail term imposed in default of payment.
“Once the payment has been made, the issue of imprisonment in default of payment no longer arises.
“Therefore, the period of serving his sentence under house arrest should be implemented as soon as possible.
“If it has not been implemented, we demand an explanation from the government, particularly the Home Ministry, on why this has not happened,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters on Friday after the launch of the Barisan Nasional (BN) and PN manifesto at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC).
Earlier, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) temporarily postponed the implementation of Najib’s house arrest arrangement to seek further clarification on the interpretation of the Conditional Pardon Order granted on September 18.
In a statement on Friday, the AGC said the decision followed legal questions over the implications of the RM50 million fine payment on the remaining prison sentence Najib is serving in connection with the SRC International case.
Meanwhile, Takiyuddin maintained that the latest development would not affect BN and PN’s campaign in the upcoming 16th Melaka State Election.
He argued that every Malaysian has constitutional rights, including the right to a royal pardon, and said such rights must be respected by all parties.
Citing Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, he said the provision grants the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the power to grant pardons to individuals serving sentences.
“That is his right. When someone is granted a constitutional right, it must be respected by everyone.
“Everyone is entitled to that right, not just selected individuals. That is clear,” he said.
He also stressed that the implementation of such rights should not result in unequal treatment under the country’s legal system.
“There have been people who received pardons and were released before.
“So this is no different. There should be no double standards in the law,” he added.
