Najib's pardon application postponed

The Pardons Board has postponed former Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's pardon application to a later meeting. This decision was agreed upon by His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia. The statement from the Prime Minister's Department did not disclose the future date for the Pardons Board to discuss the matter.

Simultaneously, it was announced that Sultan Ibrahim has also consented to release 65 prisoners on September 11, with all non-Malaysian prisoners to be deported within six months of their release. The Federal Territories Pardons Board, which has no fixed schedule, last met on January 29, 2024, to reduce Najib's prison sentence from 12 years to 6 years and his fine from RM210 million to RM50 million.

There were speculations that the pardon application might be on the agenda for the 63rd Pardons Board Meeting for the Federal Territories that convened that day. Currently, Najib is serving a 6-year prison term for his conviction in the SRC International corruption case, which was upheld by the Federal Court on August 23, 2022. He received a reduced sentence and fine following a Pardons Board decision in February 2024.

His latest pardon application, however, is being deferred to a future Pardons Board meeting. There have been reports suggesting the board may consider house arrest for Najib, but no official confirmation has been made. Hannah Yeoh, a Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), confirmed that the Pardons Board would convene on the specified date but did not comment on Najib's application.

Umno President Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed optimism for the best outcome ahead of the meeting.