Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim has postponed consideration of former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s latest request for a royal pardon, leaving the high-profile clemency appeal to be considered at a future meeting of the Pardons Board.
The decision came during a meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board on Friday. The board approved the release of 65 inmates, but Najib’s application was deferred without a specific date being announced for when it will be reconsidered.
Najib’s Pardon Request Remains Unresolved
Najib Razak, 73, has been imprisoned since August 2022 after Malaysia’s highest court upheld his conviction in a corruption case involving SRC International, a former unit linked to the state investment fund 1MDB.
He was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined RM210 million. In 2024, Malaysia’s previous king reduced the prison term to six years and cut the fine to RM50 million.
Najib has continued to maintain his innocence and has sought further relief through the country’s constitutional pardon process.
His latest pardon petition was submitted earlier this month following the conclusion of his legal proceedings in the SRC International case.
Decision Could Have Political Consequences
The fate of Najib’s pardon request has become a politically sensitive issue for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s coalition government.
Najib remains an influential figure within the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), which is part of Anwar’s governing alliance. Some UMNO leaders have supported leaving the decision entirely to the King, while other members have criticized statements from Anwar’s political allies emphasizing that corruption convictions should result in full prison terms.
The issue has highlighted tensions between UMNO and Pakatan Harapan, the coalition led by Anwar. Any decision involving Najib could therefore have consequences beyond the former premier’s legal status.
Najib’s Wider 1MDB Legal Battle
Najib’s imprisonment stems from the broader 1MDB scandal, a massive financial controversy that triggered investigations across several countries. Authorities have alleged that billions of dollars were misappropriated from the state fund, while Najib has denied wrongdoing.
He was also handed another 15-year prison sentence and a multibillion-dollar fine in a separate 1MDB-related case involving allegations of abuse of power and money laundering. He has appealed that conviction.
For now, Najib’s latest royal pardon request remains pending, with the Pardons Board expected to revisit the matter at a future meeting.
