Ramasamy: Declassify the Pardons Board minutes, let transparency prevail over confidentiality

FEDERAL Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa who is a member of the Pardons Board has recently emphasised that the minutes of the board’s deliberations are confidential.

While confidentiality is generally upheld in such matters, extraordinary circumstances such as accusations of governmental opacity regarding the alleged royal addendum favouring house arrest for former premier Datuk Seri Najib Razak does warrant a different approach.

In the face of these allegations, the government has the authority to declassify the minutes in the larger public interest.

The Cabinet – with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong – could initiate this process aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.

The argument that confidentiality must be maintained unconditionally raises concerns, particularly when public trust in the government’s credibility is at stake.

Even if discussions on the royal addendum took place, there is a possibility that such deliberations might not have been formally minuted or were recorded off the record.

‘Procedural irregularities’

However, this does not absolve the government of its responsibility to address public concerns. If the government is confident in its actions, what is there to hide by invoking confidentiality?

The question then arises: does the credibility and legitimacy of the government outweigh the confidentiality of the Pardons Board minutes?

Dr Zaliha’s insistence on shielding these deliberations under the guise of confidentiality could be perceived as an attempt to evade scrutiny.

Transparency, in this context, is not just a matter of choice but a necessity to maintain public trust.

Moreover, the revelation of the royal addendum by Najib’s family before the Court of Appeal’s decision raises serious questions.

The letter’s existence coupled with the court’s decision to grant Najib a full hearing at the High Court, points to potential procedural irregularities. This suggests that key figures in the government might have been aware of the addendum.

If the government does not challenge the existence of the royal addendum, it risks further undermining public confidence.

Malaysians deserve to know

Dismissing it as a figment of Najib’s imagination is not a defensible position, especially given the evidence of its existence.

In such circumstances, making the Pardons Board’s minutes public might ultimately be a symbolic gesture.

However, the refusal to do so fuels suspicion while questioning the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Dr Zaliha’s firm defence of confidentiality raises the question of whether she is acting under instructions from her Madani government superiors.

The public deserves clarity on this issue. By adhering to constitutional and legal procedures, the government has the opportunity to dispel doubts and demonstrate its integrity.

Failure to do so risks further erosion of public trust and confidence in the administration.

In the spirit of transparency and good governance, declassifying the Pardons Board minutes would be a critical step in addressing public concerns and restoring confidence in the justice system. – Jan 10, 2025

 

Former DAP stalwart and Penang chief minister II Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy is chairman of the United Rights of Malaysian Party (Urimai) interim council.

The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia.

Main image credit: Benar News

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