Najib’s house arrest: DAP leadership to decide party stance tomorrow, says Loke

The DAP party will convene an emergency central executive committee meeting tomorrow to decide its stance on former prime minister Najib Razak's conditional pardon, as announced by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke. This decision follows the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department confirming Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, granted Najib a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to a RM50 million fine.

Loke criticized the 1MDB scandal, stating it has tarnished Malaysia's image and eroded public and investor confidence. He emphasized that the conviction of Najib in the 1MDB case is a judicial decision with severe long-term financial consequences, noting that 1MDB obligations have burdened taxpayers with RM51.4 billion in liabilities.

Loke reiterated DAP's demand for accountability in the scandal, recalling how public outrage against 1MDB led to the 2018 change of government. He defended Hannah Yeoh's role on the Pardons Board, stating she upheld the party's principles and served the national interest. Despite respecting the pardoning power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, DAP reaffirmed its commitment to constitutional monarchy, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the pardon does not weaken the government's commitment to tackling corruption and that ongoing investigations and court proceedings involving Najib must continue without interruption.