New start for the pardoned
KUALA LUMPUR: The process of a royal pardon, which has come into the spotlight following the expected release of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, involves several steps.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong can grant a full pardon on all cases heard by the military court, as well as any offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.
The Pardons Board, chaired by the king, would comprise the federal territories minister as well as members appointed by the king (not exceeding three people).
It must first convene after receiving an appeal or pardon petition.
On Anwar’s case, National Council of Professors politics, security and international affairs cluster secretary Professor Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Sidek said the meeting was convened to gather the opinion of panel members.
“The offender, or his or her representative can submit a petition or appeal via the High Court to the Pardons Board, and a meeting will be convened by the board members.
“In the meeting, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will draw upon the advice of members of the Pardons Board on whether a pardon would be granted to Anwar or otherwise.”
He said as soon a royal pardon was granted, he would be swiftly released from prison.
Asked on whether if there was a waiting period or extra procedures involved before Anwar’s pardon could take effect, Halim said a decision by the Pardons Board was deemed supreme.
“The board’s decision takes precedence. Anwar can be freed immediately.
“Anwar’s lawyer only needs to finalise several steps in terms of prison administrative matters.
“The pardon also absolves Anwar of any crime, thus making him eligible to contest in an election,” he said, likening the status of a newly-pardoned individual to that of a “newborn”.
If a person completes his jail term normally, he has to undergo a “cooling-off period” before being allowed to contest in an election.
Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had, last Friday, said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V was willing to grant a royal pardon for Anwar.