A group of NGOs urged the government to repeal a provision of the Federal Constitution which allows former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak to remain as an MP until his royal pardon process is completed.

In a joint statement, the group called for the immediate repeal of Article 48(4)(c) of the Federal Constitution, to prevent any unjustified further delay in an MP’s disqualification so affected constituencies can choose a new representative.

The statement was issued by human rights activist Charles Hector on behalf of four NGOs, including Aliran, Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet), Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM), and Workers Hub for Change (WH4C).

“We adopt the position that a parliamentarian convicted of a crime, like Najib, should immediately be disqualified as MP after all the appeals against criminal conviction are over,” said Charles.