KUALA LUMPUR: The unity government should stop hiding behind the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and explain why Datuk Seri Najib Razak's sentence was reduced.
Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abdul Aziz said government representatives on the Pardon's Board have to explain and reveal the advice they gave to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong when considering Najib's pardon application.
Among those on Federal Territory Pardons Board are Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Attorney-General Datuk Ahmad Terrirudin Mohd Salleh, who was appointed by the Madani government, and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Muda also called on all unity government ministers and members of parliament to state their stance on Najib's jail sentence being halved from 12 years to six, and fine reduction from RM210 million to RM50 million.
"As the Madani government is not transparent with the process, we are forced to take the narrative by (Umno Supreme Council member) Lokman Adam, who expressed his appreciation to the prime minister and Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for fighting for Najib's pardon.
"As long as there is no transparency by the unity government, we will consider that it (Lokman's statement) is the only narrative by the unity government as Barisan Nasional is also part of that government," she said.
Though the Pardons Board does not have any legal obligation to explain its decision to the public, Amira said they are morally obliged to do so as the government elected by the public and that it is a public interest case.
This is also because during the campaign for the 15th General Election, the unity government representatives have promised to fight corruption.
She also called out government spokesman Fahmi Fadzil for asking the public to respect the decision by the Pardons Board and refrain from making comments on the matter, including on social media.
She said Fahmi should respect the people's right to question the issue and should provide answers.
Yesterday, the Federal Territories Pardons Board said Najib's sentence was reduced by half, which will see his release from prison on Aug 23, 2028.
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Najib was sentenced to 12 years' jail after he was found guilty of abusing his power with regard to Retirement Fund Inc's (KWAP) RM4 billion loan to SRC International Sdn Bhd, as well as three counts each of criminal breach of trust and abuse of power involving RM42 million of SRC funds.