KUALA LUMPUR – PKR Youth Information Chief Danish Hairudin has urged UMNO not to shift the debate on corruption and integrity towards the institution of the monarchy, stressing that Pakatan Harapan (PH) has never questioned the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s constitutional power to grant pardons.
Danish said PH’s position was clear, focusing on corruption, abuse of power, court sentences and the rule of law, while maintaining respect for the Federal Constitution and the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
“I read the statement by UMNO Secretary-General Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. I only want to ask one thing: which part of PH’s statement questioned the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to grant pardons?
“Do not put words into PH’s mouth that were never stated. PH’s position is very clear. We uphold the Constitution and respect the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he said in a statement.
Danish was responding to Asyraf, who questioned PH’s position that individuals convicted of corruption should serve the sentences imposed by the courts, arguing that such a stance appeared to challenge the Agong’s constitutional prerogative to grant pardons.
Danish said PH’s position on corruption should not be construed as an attack on the monarchy.
“PH is talking about corruption, abuse of power, court sentences and the rule of law. That is a position against corruption, not an attack on the institution of the monarchy.
“Article 42 of the Federal Constitution remains respected. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to grant pardons has never been denied or questioned in PH’s statement,” he said.
He said respecting the constitutional power of pardon did not mean remaining silent on corruption and integrity.
“UMNO itself has said it does not want to pre-empt the consideration of the Pardons Board. If so, let the process proceed according to the Constitution,” he said.
Danish also called for the debate to remain focused on corruption and integrity instead of bringing the monarchy into the discussion.
“Do not bring the Palace into the debate every time there are questions about corruption and integrity.
“PH is not questioning the monarchy. PH is defending the principle that corruption must be fought and the rule of law must be respected,” he said. -MalayaDailyToday
