Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim calls for calm and respect for the court’s ruling on Najib Razak’s house arrest application, upholding judicial independence
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has called on all parties to respect the court’s decision regarding the addendum order issue and to refrain from inflaming the situation.
He said all should respect the ruling, including the legal avenues that remain available to submit appeals, in addition to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in accordance with existing provisions.
“I urge all parties to address this issue with patience and wisdom,” he said in a statement.
Anwar added that even if some choose not to express sympathy towards Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his family, it is inappropriate to aggravate the situation in such sensitive circumstances.
The Prime Minister stressed that the MADANI Government remains firmly committed to upholding the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers.
“The judiciary must and will continue to remain independent from any external influence,” he said.
“It is based on this principle that I respect the decision made by the judge.”
The High Court dismissed the judicial review application by Najib over the addendum order allegedly authorising him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest.
Judge Alice Loke Yee Ching ruled that the alleged addendum order was neither deliberated nor decided upon during the 61st Pardons Board Meeting held on 29 January 2024.
In her judgment, Justice Loke ruled that the addendum order did not comply with Article 42 of the Federal Constitution and was therefore invalid.
Following the decision, Najib is required to serve the remainder of his sentence at Kajang Prison.
