Pakatan backs PM’s stance on Najib pardon, says no one is above the law

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Pakatan Harapan (PH) today expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's stance and the advice from the Attorney General and Federal Territories Minister to the Pardons Board regarding former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's conditional royal pardon. In a statement released after the Pardons Board meeting, the PH Presidential Council affirmed its unwavering support for the Prime Minister's position and the board's recommendation.

The council stressed that no one is above the law, and emphasized that those found guilty must face punishment as per the stipulations in the Federal Constitution. Anwar previously affirmed that the conditional royal pardon would not undermine the government's commitment to combating corruption. The council also reiterated its resolve to persist in the fight against corruption, advance the Reform agenda, and rid the country of corruption and abuse.

Najib is presently serving a six-year prison term for his conviction over the misuse of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd, a former 1MDB subsidiary. His initial sentence was reduced to six years and a RM50 million fine, following a review by the Pardons Board in 2024. Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, recently granted Najib a conditional pardon, permitting him to complete his sentence through house arrest until August 23, 2028, contingent on payment of the RM50 million fine and adherence to the imposed conditions, which have not yet been disclosed.

Umno subsequently initiated a fundraising campaign to aid Najib in fulfilling the fine, while PAS expressed support for the decision and MCA conveyed gratitude to the King. DAP's central executive committee is set to convene tomorrow to deliberate on its official stance on the matter.