Najib's conditional pardon with King's powers - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) has supported Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's stance and the counsel from the Attorney General and Federal Territories Minister to the Pardons Board regarding former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's conditional royal pardon. Following the Pardons Board meeting, the PH Presidential Council issued a statement reaffirming its complete agreement with the Prime Minister's standpoint and the advice provided to the board.

The Presidential Council underscored that no individual is exempt from adhering to the law. Anwar previously declared that the conditional royal pardon did not undermine the government's determination to combat corruption. Furthermore, the council reiterated its dedication to persisting in efforts to eradicate corruption, advance the Reform agenda, and rid the nation of corruption and abuse.

Najib Razak is presently incarcerated for a six-year term, stemming from his conviction for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former subsidiary of 1MDB. The Federal Court affirmed his conviction in 2022, later reducing his sentence from 12 years to six years and the fine from RM210 million to RM50 million after the Pardons Board reviewed his case in 2024.

Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon enabling him to serve the remaining duration of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, contingent upon the payment of the fine and compliance with unspecified conditions.

Subsequently, Umno launched a fundraising initiative to assist Najib in fulfilling the fine, while PAS expressed its approval of the decision, and MCA conveyed gratitude to the King. The DAP indicated that its central executive committee would convene the following day to deliberate on its official stance.