Report: Najib’s clemency bid expected to be discussed by Pardons Board this week

The Federal Territories Pardons Board is expected to discuss former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's application for clemency during its upcoming meeting, according to sources cited by Free Malaysia Today. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that Najib's application is anticipated to be among the issues raised at the meeting, though it remains uncertain whether a decision will be made or if it will merely be discussed.

It is possible that Najib could be granted the opportunity to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest, although the feasibility of this option at the meeting is unclear. This development follows Pakatan Harapan's stance that those convicted of corruption or abuse of power, particularly in high-profile cases, should complete their full sentences.

The opposition coalition expressed support for the Madani government's anti-corruption efforts, emphasizing that convicted individuals must serve their court-imposed sentences while allowing ongoing judicial processes to proceed without any perception of bias. The statement did not specifically mention Najib or any particular case.

Free Malaysia Today reported that the Pardons Board was anticipated to convene on September 11 to deliberate on several matters, including Najib's pardon request in connection with his convictions related to the 1MDB scandal. The 72-year-old was convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International and sentenced to 12 years in prison, alongside a RM210 million fine.

He commenced serving his sentence at Kajang Prison on August 23, 2022. The Pardons Board previously reduced his prison term to six years and his fine to RM50 million. On December 22, High Court judge Alice Loke rejected Najib's application to serve the remaining part of his reduced sentence under house arrest, leading him to withdraw his appeal against the decision.

FMT also sought comments from Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh, Attorney-General Dusuki Mokhtar, and Najib's lawyer Shafee Abdullah.