Umno says Pakatan applying double standard on royal pardons, points to Anwar’s 2018 case

Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki speaks at the closing ceremony of Multaqa Ilmuwan Islam Malaysia 2.0 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on September 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Wednesday, 09 Sep 2026 5:30 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — Umno today accused Pakatan Harapan (PH) of applying a double standard on royal pardons after the coalition said those convicted in high-profile corruption cases should serve their full sentences.

Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said PH had supported the full pardon granted to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in 2018 even though he had not completed his five-year prison term at the time.

“If PH could support the pardon granted to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim even though he had not completed his full sentence at the time, why should a different standard be applied to others?” he said in a statement uploaded on Facebook.

Asyraf also claimed that PH’s statement appeared to question the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s pardoning power, which he said was His Majesty’s prerogative under Article 42(1) of the Federal Constitution.

He said Umno would not pre-empt the Pardons Board’s deliberations or demand any particular outcome.

“Whatever decision is reached through the proper legal process must be respected by all parties,” he said.

Asyraf further said PH had repeatedly belittled and questioned the institution of the Malay Rulers for political gain, which ran contrary to the principles and conditions agreed upon when the unity government was formed.

He said Umno remained committed to defending the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and His Majesty’s constitutional powers.

PH had earlier said those convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, must serve the full sentences imposed by the courts, although it did not name former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak or refer directly to the Pardons Board.

The statement came amid reports that the Federal Territories Pardons Board is expected to discuss Najib’s clemency application when it meets this week.