PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia. Aug 14 – The Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) has rejected claims questioning Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s eligibility as a Member of Parliament and head of government, following a lawsuit filed by former deputy minister Waytha Moorthy Ponnusamy.
In a media statement issued today, the AGC acknowledged reports of the civil suit, which challenges Anwar’s qualification as MP for the Tambun constituency and his appointment as Prime Minister. The legal action argues that the royal pardon granted by the 15th Yang di-Pertuan Agong (YDPA) did not explicitly nullify Anwar’s disqualification under Article 48(1)(e) of the Federal Constitution.
While respecting individuals’ rights to seek judicial recourse, the AGC emphasized that the Court of Appeal had already ruled in the case of Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim v Mohd Khairul Azam Abdul Aziz [2023] 2 MLJ 545 that the YDPA holds the authority to pardon convictions and sentences.
“The pardon order issued by the 15th YDPA states that Dato’ Seri Anwar has been granted a full pardon and is deemed as someone who has never committed any offense,” the statement read. “Therefore, no issue arises regarding the loss of qualification for Dato’ Seri Anwar as a Member of the Dewan Rakyat and Prime Minister.”
The AGC further noted that any disputes over an MP’s election should be addressed through an election petition, as provided under Article 118 of the Federal Constitution, and must be filed within the timeframe stipulated in Section 38 of the Election Offences Act 1954.
The statement comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Anwar’s 2018 royal pardon, which followed his conviction on sodomy charges—a case widely viewed as politically motivated.
Waytha Moorthy, a prominent activist and former Hindraf leader who served as a deputy minister in the previous administration, has not yet publicly commented on the AGC’s response. The lawsuit is expected to proceed in the courts, potentially reigniting debates on constitutional interpretations of pardons and parliamentary disqualifications.
This development occurs as Malaysia marks the third year of Anwar’s premiership, with his Unity Government focusing on economic reforms and anti-corruption efforts.