Decision to defer Najib’s pardon bid is Agong’s prerogative, says PM

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim clarified that the decision to postpone Najib Razak's pardon application was ultimately the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decision. Addressing the media after a working visit to India, Anwar explained that he merely presented his legal perspective based on the attorney general's advice, while the king held the authority to consider all relevant factors during the Federal Territories Pardons Board meeting.

"The Agong must take all (relevant) factors into consideration," Anwar stated, noting that the board had already taken up several corruption cases swiftly. The Agong himself had emphasized the need for stricter enforcement on corruption-related matters, including those involving Tabung Haji and Felda. When asked about PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan's call for an explanation, Anwar urged the opposition party to familiarize themselves with the rules governing the pardons board before making such claims.

He emphasized that the deferral was not a personal vendetta against Najib Razak but rather part of a broader effort to uphold the rule of law and the Federal Constitution. Anwar also acknowledged the political considerations surrounding the case, including strong views from Umno leaders, yet maintained that his decision was guided by legal principles.

Najib Razak, a 72-year-old former prime minister, has been serving a six-year prison sentence since August 2022 for misappropriating RM42 million in SRC International funds. In December 2025, he was convicted of abuse of power and money laundering involving over RM2 billion linked to 1MDB, facing a 15-year sentence and a RM11.38 billion fine. Najib is currently appealing his most recent conviction.