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

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim highlighted that the conditional pardon given to former Prime Minister Najib Razak would not hinder the government's commitment to combating corruption and abuse of power. Anwar affirmed that the government's dedication to the rule of law remains steadfast, emphasizing that all corruption cases, including those involving Najib, must be pursued according to the law.

He expressed hope for the people to accept the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's decision positively, while stressing that the constitution provides the Sultan with absolute powers and that the decision should not be interpreted as endorsing embezzlement and corruption. Berita Harian quoted Anwar as saying, "Beyond that, I want to stress that the rule of law remains intact and our decision to take action against all corruption remains unchanged."

The conditional pardon allows Najib to serve the remainder of his prison term under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays his RM50 million fine. This decision, granted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, follows the 64th meeting of the Federal Territories Pardons Board, which reduced his original 12-year sentence to six years and his RM210 million fine to RM50 million in February 2024.

Najib, 73, is currently incarcerated at Kajang prison following the Federal Court's dismissal of his final appeal in the SRC International case.