Umno president Zahid says being optimistic about Najib’s pardon chances tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed optimism for former prime minister Najib Razak's chance of being pardoned when the Pardons Board reviews his application tomorrow. Zahid emphasized that the authority to grant pardons lies with the Yang diPertuan Agong, stating, "I am confident that His Majesty’s discretion and wisdom will determine the final decision, which is His Majesty’s absolute prerogative to announce."

The Federal Territories Pardons Board is set to deliberate on Najib’s latest petition tomorrow. While it is unclear whether a decision will be reached or if the meeting will simply be a discussion, sources suggest that Najib's application might be among the matters addressed. It is also unclear if the option of serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest would be considered.

Najib, 72, was convicted of misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International and sentenced to 12 years in prison, plus a RM210 million fine. His sentence was initially reduced to six years and a fine of RM50 million in 2024. Najib and his legal team argued that the partial pardon came with an addendum requiring him to serve the remaining time at home, a demand which was dismissed by the High Court in December 2023. Najib subsequently abandoned his appeal against the decision in April 2024.