EVERY convict has the right to appeal and apply for royal pardon, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today, referring to his jailed predecessor Najib Razak.

“Every single convicted person or prisoner has a right to appeal. We have to take into consideration the case and review it on a compassionate basis, professionally and without prejudice. 

“This was the position we took,” Anwar told the members of the media today.

His comment comes following an exchange between Umno and Amanah over whether Najib’s application should be heard.

Yesterday, Amanah apologised to Umno over an earlier statement by communications director Khalid Samad, who appealed to the king to reject Najib’s pardon bid.

“In conjunction with Aidlfitri, I, on behalf of Amanah, apologise if that statement offended Umno,” Amanah deputy president Salahuddin Ayub said at Zahid’s open house in Putrajaya.

Amanah president Mohamad Sabu also said Khalid’s call to reject Najib’s pardon application does not represent the party.

Najib is serving a 12-year prison sentence for money laundering, criminal breach of trust and abuse of power.

He was also fined RM210 million, which he has yet to pay.

The former Pekan MP has applied for a royal pardon after exhausting all other legal avenues to appeal.

However, Anwar today said that the pardon board had not discussed Najib’s application in its last meeting with the king. – May 1, 2023.