In a statement, Sultan Sharafuddin said the process of granting pardons must follow procedures provided for under the Federal Constitution and other laws.

The sultan said he has been paying close attention to recent “developments” involving the justice system, and urged Malaysians to always respect the rule of law and the judiciary’s independence.

“The people need to know that the judges for the Federal Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court are appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong upon the prime minister’s advice and after discussions with the Conference of Rulers, according to Article 122B of the Federal Constitution.

“In fact, before the prime minister advises the Agong on a judge’s appointment, they must first consult the chief justice and obtain the Judicial Appointments Commission’s (JAC) recommendations,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin reminded the people that the judges have taken an oath to uphold the law, and that all citizens are equal when it comes to the law, regardless of status, race or position.

He said the independence of the judiciary meant that judges presiding over cases were allowed to make rulings based on the facts of the case without fear, prejudice and or any undue influence.

“An old proverb says that when a judge metes a sentence, the judge has to do it without fear or favour. Judgments that are made without any interference or pushbacks depict a justice system that is fair and just towards everyone,” he said.

Sultan Sharafuddin said he wholeheartedly supported the King’s statement last week that the power to punish and pardon should not be used arbitrarily because one would be held accountable for it in the “afterlife”.

Last week, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, reminded Muslims in the country that Islamic justice did not give any privilege or exception to anyone who commits wrongdoing, be it oneself, close friends, family members or parents.

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