FridayOL

Kuala Lumpur, August 14 – The Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) has firmly dismissed a legal challenge aimed at disqualifying Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from his position and as the Member of Parliament for Tambun. The AGC's statement asserts that Anwar is protected from any such attempts due to the full royal pardon he received in 2018.

Datuk Waytha Moorthy, a former minister, recently initiated legal proceedings seeking to question Anwar’s eligibility to hold office. Moorthy's argument centered on Anwar's past conviction, suggesting it could potentially render him ineligible under Article 48 of the Federal Constitution. However, the AGC has unequivocally stated that this challenge is without merit.

The cornerstone of the AGC’s defense rests on the comprehensive royal pardon granted to Anwar by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 2018. This pardon effectively erased the consequences of his previous conviction, restoring his full civil and political rights. The AGC emphasized that the pardon is a significant and legally binding act of the monarch, preventing any legal action questioning Anwar’s eligibility.

“The granting of a full royal pardon by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong effectively quashes any legal attempts to disqualify Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from holding the office of Prime Minister or as the Member of Parliament for Tambun,” a statement from the AGC read. “The challenge brought by Datuk Waytha Moorthy is therefore baseless and without legal standing.”

The AGC’s response has significant constitutional implications. It reinforces the power of the monarchy in granting pardons and underscores the legal finality of such actions. This case also highlights the ongoing political landscape in Malaysia, where challenges to the leadership are not uncommon. Anwar’s appointment as Prime Minister followed a period of political uncertainty and shifting alliances, and this legal challenge was viewed by some as an attempt to undermine his authority.

The AGC’s clear and decisive statement is expected to effectively end the legal challenge brought by Waytha Moorthy. It provides a strong legal basis for Anwar’s continued tenure as Prime Minister and MP for Tambun, allowing him to focus on governing the country. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the constitutional framework of Malaysia. The government and Anwar’s supporters are likely to view this outcome as a victory, further solidifying his position as the nation's leader.

The AGC’s statement is available for public review and further details regarding the legal proceedings can be obtained from official government sources.