THE recent decision by the Court of Appeal to allow judicial review in Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s case has reignited controversy surrounding the alleged royal addendum linked to his partial royal pardon.
While the High Court previously dismissed the case on grounds of hearsay, the appellant court acknowledged the possibility of a substantive issue, particularly given the involvement of the Pahang royalty.
If Najib wins at the High Court, he may serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.
However, questions abound regarding the government’s awareness of the royal addendum which allegedly supplements last year’s royal pardon by reducing Najib’s fine and imprisonment.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim have both denied knowledge of such a document.
Anwar has suggested the matter might be academic as it pertains to a former Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA).
Evading issue
Yet, as the leader of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional (PH-BN) coalition, his apparent lack of awareness raises questions.
Anwar, a beneficiary of an unconditional royal pardon in 2018, could have acknowledged the royal addendum without endorsing its contents.
His failure to do so fuels speculation that political calculations may be at play – perhaps a fear that Najib’s potential house arrest could bolster his popularity and create political risks for Anwar.
The last-minute withdrawal of UMNO from a pro-Najib rally yesterday (Jan 6) has added to the intrigue.
Anwar’s perceived evasion on this issue risks undermining public confidence in his leadership, particularly for someone who has previously suffered the humiliation of politically motivated imprisonment.
In times of public doubt, great leaders – like Gandhi and Mandela – relied on truth and transparency to inspire trust.
For Anwar, the challenge is not colonial powers but the necessity to confront domestic ambiguities.
Acknowledging the royal addendum – whether or not he supports its implications – would strengthen his credibility and re-assure the public of his commitment to truth. – Jan 7, 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.
