Malaysia PM’s coalition says graft convicts should serve full terms amid reports of Najib clemency bid

Malaysia's ruling coalition has stated that individuals convicted in high-profile corruption cases should serve their entire sentences, following reports that former Prime Minister Najib Razak has submitted another request for royal clemency. Sin Chew Daily, a local Chinese-language newspaper, reported that a pardons board chaired by King Sultan Ibrahim is set to meet on Friday, with Najib's clemency request likely to be discussed. Free Malaysia Today echoed these reports, citing unnamed sources.

The palace and Najib's legal team have not yet commented on the matter. Najib has been incarcerated since 2022 after being found guilty in two corruption cases connected to a multi-billion-dollar scandal at the state-owned 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). He consistently denies any wrongdoing. In 2024, a pardons board led by the previous monarch reduced his original 12-year sentence to six years and dismissed fines. However, Najib's legal team failed to secure a house arrest arrangement.

In December 2025, Najib received an additional 15-year sentence in his most significant corruption trial related to the 1MDB scandal. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's coalition, Pakatan Harapan, emphasized in a statement that anyone convicted of corruption or abuse of power, especially in high-profile cases, must serve the full sentence imposed by the court.

The statement did not mention Najib or the pardons board meeting, highlighting the importance of allowing the ongoing judicial process to proceed without any perception of undue influence.

The coalition argued that previous corruption cases have significantly affected Malaysia's international reputation. They noted that the country has made considerable efforts to restore confidence in its institutions, governance, and ability to combat corruption and abuse of power. A fresh pardon for Najib could pose risks for Anwar, who has been criticized by some as being too lenient on high-level corruption, particularly when it involves figures from Najib's party, the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO).

Pakatan Harapan and UMNO joined forces in 2022 to form a government following a hung parliament election. However, the alliance has faced internal strife, with some UMNO members advocating for Najib's release. Anwar has indicated that snap elections may be considered if internal divisions escalate.