Selangor ruler backs Agong's comments on pardons

Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah today voiced support for the Agong's recent statement that the power to bestow pardons should not be arbitrarily used.

In a statement, he said the people should understand that the pardons process must be carried out in accordance with the laws and procedures provided for in the Federal Constitution and other related legislation. 

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah had said on Sept 5 that the power to punish and pardon should not be used arbitrarily as there would be an accounting for this in the afterlife. 

He also said that Islamic justice does not give privileges or exceptions to anyone who commits a wrongdoing. 

"I am happy to express my strong support for the Agong's speech on Sept 5 relating to the prerogative power of pardon which cannot be arbitrarily exercised for the benefit of certain parties," Sultan Sharafuddin said today. 

He also urged the people to respect the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, which he said was the core and axis for the sovereignty of the country's constitutional monarchy and democratic system. 

"The Federal Constitution has placed the dignity of the judicial institution at a high level as an independent and authoritative judicial body," he said. 

"The judiciary is the last bastion that needs to be defended to ensure that the administration of justice can be carried out in the best possible way."

Sultan Sharafuddin said judicial independence meant that the judges involved in a case could interpret the law based solely on facts and evidence without fear or favour, and free from any unwanted influence. 

"A judge takes an oath to practise equality, and to preserve, protect and defend the constitution and be free from all forms of internal and external pressure," he added. 

"The Federal Constitution clearly provides that all citizens are equal before the law. This means that people, regardless of status, position, race and descent, are subject to and held responsible under the same laws."

Adding that the independence of the judiciary requires the support, understanding and commitment of all parties, especially the executive, he urged all parties to work together towards this goal. 

"The people need to have full faith in the country's judicial system without throwing about baseless accusations, unaware of the facts and reasons for the judgment of a case," he said. 

"Any of these unfounded accusations will invite a negative perception of the independence of the judiciary and will erode the confidence and trust of the people in the country's justice administration system. 

"This situation will also indirectly affect the good name of the country at the international level."