KUALA LUMPUR, January 4 – Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak must submit a new application to the Pardon Board if he wishes to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest.

Dr. Ikmal Hisham Md Tah, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, MARA University of Technology (UiTM), stated that this course of action is the most appropriate and in accordance with legal procedures.

He explained that filing a new application is the best way to resolve issues surrounding the Addendum Order.

“In line with the Federal Constitution, if Najib, the former prime minister, seeks a pardon, he must reapply to the pardon board chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” said Dr. Ikmal during an interview with RTM.

He further emphasized that compliance with the order from Istana Negara is essential, as it aligns with the constitutional authority of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Dr. Ikmal also noted that submitting a new application would foster a more harmonious atmosphere in society and help dispel any misconceptions about the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, particularly regarding the involvement of the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Earlier, Istana Negara issued a statement indicating that all applications for pardons or sentence reductions must be submitted by the prisoners themselves for review by the Pardon Board, which is chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

This aligns with Article 42(1) and (2) of the Federal Constitution, which grants the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the power to grant pardons, delay sentences, and offer legal relief for offenses committed within the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.