The power to grant a royal pardon in Malaysia is a constitutional mechanism provided under Article 42 of the Federal Constitution, rather than an ordinary judicial appeal. It allows the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri, depending on where an offence was committed, to grant pardons, reprieves and respites. Astro Awani report
For offences committed in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya, the power rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. For offences committed within a state, the relevant state Ruler or Yang di-Pertua Negeri exercises the constitutional power.
The process involves a Pardons Board, which considers applications and relevant information before advising on the matter. The board includes the Attorney General, the relevant Federal Territories minister or state executive council member, and up to three other members appointed by the relevant Ruler.
A royal pardon can have different outcomes depending on the decision made. It may involve a full pardon, reduction of sentence, postponement or other forms of clemency. It should therefore not automatically be interpreted as a declaration that the original court conviction was wrong.
The royal pardon mechanism forms part of Malaysia’s constitutional system, operating separately from the courts while providing a final avenue for clemency after the judicial process.
