DAP to meet tomorrow over Najib’s house arrest

The Democratic Action Party (DAP) will convene its central executive committee meeting tomorrow to deliberate on its stance and subsequent actions following former Prime Minister Najib Razak's recent conditional pardon, which allows him to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest. DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook emphasized that the party respects the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's authority in granting pardons and adheres to the principles of constitutional monarchy and the supremacy of the Federal Constitution.

Loke highlighted that DAP has always advocated for the rule of law and vehemently opposes corruption. He pointed out that the 1MDB scandal significantly impacted Malaysia's reputation and diminished public and investor confidence in the country's institutions. Loke affirmed that DAP has consistently demanded justice and accountability regarding the 1MDB scandal, ensuring a thorough investigation and bringing the perpetrators through an impartial legal process.

The finance ministry reported that the government's total obligations related to 1MDB amounted to RM51.4 billion, with RM42.5 billion already paid and RM8.9 billion remaining outstanding. DAP's principles of opposing corruption and abuse of power remain at the forefront as the party's guiding force. Hannah Yeoh, a federal territories minister and one of DAP's three assistant secretaries-general, conveyed a position aligned with the party's principles while serving on the Federal Territories Pardons Board (FTPB).

Yeoh conveyed these views honestly and candidly in the country's best interest. The legal affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department announced that Sultan Ibrahim, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, had granted Najib a conditional pardon after a meeting of the FTPB. Under this agreement, Najib will complete his sentence for the SRC International case under house arrest until August 23, 2028, contingent upon the payment of a RM50 million fine.

Currently serving a six-year sentence at Kajang prison, Najib's original sentence was reduced from 12 years to six in February 2024. Additionally, the original RM210 million fine was also diminished to RM50 million. He was incarcerated in August 2022 after the Federal Court overturned his final appeal in the case.