New: Anwar Reaffirms Royal Prerogative on Pardons But Emphasizes AGC Administrative Role

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated that the constitutional power and prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to grant royal pardons remains unassailable, while emphasizing that proper executive and administrative procedures managed by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) must be strictly followed.

Addressing media inquiries regarding legal and procedural questions around the royal pardon process, Anwar stressed that all Malaysian citizens and political entities must respect the explicit authority granted to the King under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution.

Pardons

He clarified that while the monarch’s prerogative is absolute in granting clemency or conditional pardons, the government and the AGC hold the legal responsibility of ensuring that administrative orders, court rulings, and execution frameworks align seamlessly with existing statutory requirements.

Anwar noted that where administrative clarification or legal interpretation is required regarding ongoing court cases or execution timelines, the Attorney General is tasked with consulting Istana Negara and the judiciary to resolve lingering technicalities. By maintaining clear separation between the King’s constitutional authority and procedural governance by enforcement bodies, the Prime Minister assured that the rule of law is upheld while protecting the dignity of the constitutional monarchy.

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You can read the original news coverage on the New Straits Times:

• New Straits Times: King’s prerogative to pardon Najib cannot be questioned, says Anwar