BarisaOn the 50^th Anniversary of Merdeka, it would be most befitting if the Government grants amnesty to certain categories of prisoners languishing in jail

______________
Media Statement 
by Karpal Singh
_________________

(Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday) : On the 50^th Anniversary of Merdeka, it would be most befitting if the Government grants amnesty to certain categories of prisoners languishing in jail. It would be customary to mark an occasion as momentous as 50^th Anniversary of Merdeka with the release of prisoners who have been of good behaviour while serving their sentences. The Yang Di-Pertua Agong under article 42 of the Federal Constitution acting on the advice of the Pardons Board has the prerogative to accord clemency to those in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya. Likewise, the Rulers and Governors in the different states in the country have a similar prerogative. If I remember correctly on the 25^th Anniversary of Merdeka, clemency was accorded to several prisoners to mark the occasion. In fact, the Prime Minister himself should take the lead in doing the needful for the King, the Rulers and Governors to initiate the process of showing clemency on 31^st August.  

This gesture will go a long way to show that the country, while believing in the Rule of Law, is prepared to temper justice with clemency.                                           

(28/8/2007)