Thank you, Mr Speaker, and thanks to the hon President for his very comprehensive reply. I am sure that the President would agree that he has the power as head of state to grant pardons, and while this might advance the public benefit, it also has the potential to undermine the rule of law and the authority of the courts. This is particularly true if the person being pardoned is very controversial.
Mr Speaker, the President was quoted on 2 March 2009 as saying that he would consider granting a pardon to his former financial adviser Mr Schabir Shaik. I want to know whether the President will give the House the assurance that he will not grant Mr Schabir Shaik a pardon.