KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on all parties to respect the court’s decision concerning the addendum order issue and to refrain from inflaming the situation or escalating tensions.
Everyone should respect the judge’s ruling, including the legal avenues and channels available to appeal, as well as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in accordance with existing legal provisions.
“I urge all parties to address this issue with patience and wisdom.
“Even if there are those who choose not to express sympathy towards Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his family, it is inappropriate to aggravate the situation or heighten tensions in such a sensitive circumstance,” he said in a statement today.
Anwar also 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. It is based on this principle that I respect the decision made by the judge,” he said.
Yesterday, the High Court dismissed Najib’s judicial review application over the addendum order allegedly authorising the former prime minister 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 on January 29 last year.
She said 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 the Kajang Prison.
