KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — PAS has called on the government to explain why the Federal Territories Pardons Board deferred consideration of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s application for a royal pardon.

The party argued the deferral could not have happened on its own, but only if instructions or objections were raised by members of the Pardons Board or other interested parties.

PAS secretary general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said the matter was of public interest and should not be withheld from the people. 

“PAS demands that the government immediately clarify this issue to the public,” he added.

He stressed that transparency was essential in a case involving a former prime minister, and that the public deserved to know why Najib’s petition had been delayed.

Takiyuddin was referring to a statement issued by the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU) of the Prime Minister’s Department on September 11, which confirmed that the 63rd meeting of the Pardons Board for Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya had been chaired by Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di Pertuan Agong XVII. 

The statement also noted His Majesty had consented to Najib’s petition being postponed to another meeting of the Pardons Board to be held at a later date.