Umno hopes Najib’s pardon application will face no delay

Umno, the ruling party in Malaysia, expressed optimism that former Prime Minister Najib Razak's pardon application related to his 1MDB-linked convictions would not face significant delays at the next meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Umno secretary-general, affirmed the party's respect for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and all relevant constitutional processes.

The Prime Minister's Department had informed Umno that Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, had agreed to postpone Najib's application until the next meeting. Upon hearing this news, Umno president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi conveyed his party's hope that the Sultan would exercise his royal prerogative while making the most prudent decision on Najib's pardon request.

Despite the decision to delay, Umno maintained its loyalty to the monarchy and pledged to uphold the institution of Malay rulers. Asyraf clarified that Umno's pursuit of justice for Najib did not aim to challenge the institution or legal procedures. The 72-year-old Najib was previously convicted for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International, fined RM210 million, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

In February 2024, the pardons board reduced his sentence to six years and fine to RM50 million. Furthermore, Najib was convicted in December 2025 for abuse of power and money laundering involving over RM2 billion linked to 1MDB, resulting in a 15-year jail term and a RM11.38 billion fine. Najib has appealed the latest conviction.