Najib’s conditional pardon won’t affect fight against graft, says Anwar

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decision to grant a conditional pardon to former Prime Minister Najib Razak. The pardon will not hinder the government's efforts to combat corruption and abuse of power, Anwar stated. He emphasized that the government's commitment to the rule of law remains unaltered, and all corruption cases, including those involving Najib, must be pursued according to the law.

Anwar expressed his hope that the decision would be accepted positively by the populace, emphasizing that it does not signal the country's acceptance of embezzlement and corruption. The legal affairs division of the Prime Minister's Department confirmed that Najib was granted a conditional pardon, permitting him to complete his prison term under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays a fine of RM50 million.

This reduction in Najib's sentence and fine followed the Federal Territories Pardons Board's 64th meeting, held today. Najib, now 73, has been incarcerated in Kajang prison since August 2022, having had his original 12-year sentence halved to six years and his RM210 million fine reduced to RM50 million in February 2024.