Dr M Agc S Explanation On Anwar S Pardon Has Vindicated Me

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Dr Mahathir Mohamad has welcomed the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ (AGC) statement regarding his role in the 2018 Pardons Board meeting over Anwar Ibrahim’s royal pardon, with the former premier saying it has vindicated him.
Mahathir said the clarification dispelled longstanding accusations that he had bypassed procedures in facilitating the pardon for Anwar, claims that have resurfaced in political discourse and past legal controversies.
"This explanation clears me of accusations that I did not follow the proper procedures in securing a pardon for Anwar, as has been alleged in relation to several of my past actions, such as in the case of Pulau Batu Puteh.
"I would like to clarify that since the announcement of Anwar’s pardon in May 2018, a number of legal practitioners - some close to me, and others not so fond of me - have questioned the process of that pardon,” he said in a statement today.
The AGC yesterday dismissed Mahathir's earlier claims that he was only given a letter to sign and that no Pardons Board meeting was held over Anwar’s royal pardon, pointing out that a meeting chaired by the then king was held on May 16, 2018 at the National Palace, with Mahathir in attendance.
This came after a video emerged of the soon-to-be centenarian claiming that no meeting was held over the matter, bringing into question the legitimacy of the pardon decision.
Anwar's pardon vs Najib's royal addendum
Mahatir also recalled that not long after stepping down as prime minister in February 2020, a lawyer filed a suit to challenge the validity of Anwar’s pardon.
Anwar had sought to have the suit struck out, but the High Court rejected the application. The Court of Appeal later overturned the decision, ruling that the plaintiff lacked legal standing.
The matter was brought before the Federal Court, which upheld the ruling that the issue was academic and affirmed that the pardon had been granted in accordance with the Constitution.
Despite the court's decision, Mahathir noted that the controversy resurfaced amid renewed attention to a separate royal decree concerning jailed former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
PM Anwar Ibrahim and ex-PM Najib Abdul Razak"Supporters of Najib questioned why the decree of the Agong (on his house arrest) was not followed, while Anwar’s full pardon - deemed extraordinary - was implemented.
"Consequently, legal practitioners once again challenged the process of Anwar’s pardon, citing inconsistencies between the manner in which his pardon was executed and the so-called house arrest addendum for Najib.
"Once more, my role in the process of Anwar’s pardon was brought into question,” he lamented.
Anwar’s bid to seek immunity
Mahathir also commented on Anwar’s recent bid to secure immunity in a civil lawsuit filed by his former aide over allegations of sexual assault.
Critics and legal experts have argued that seeking such an immunity contradicts the principle that no individual should be above the law.
“This attempt has prompted comparisons between the ‘privilege’ he now seeks and the ‘privilege’ he was perceived to have received in 2018,” Mahathir said.
He warned that the AGC must recognise the interconnection of these legal and political disputes, cautioning that failure to address them transparently could further undermine public confidence in the justice system.
“If left unresolved, this could become a disease that continues to erode trust in the rule of law,” he added. - Mkini

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