{
  "id": 18483663,
  "title": "Zahid cites past full pardon in calling for King's discretion to be respected",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/zahid-cites-past-full-pardon-in-calling-for-kings-discretion-to-be",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-06T09:43:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/11/1572279/zahid-cites-past-full-pardon-calling-kings-discretion-be-respected"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's representative, emphasized the importance of respecting the king's power to grant pardons. Reports suggested that Datuk Seri Najib Razak, facing a prison sentence, could begin serving his time under house arrest. Zahid urged observers not to speculate on the matter, stating that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong holds the absolute power to grant a pardon, provided it meets the conditions outlined in the Constitution. The president of Umno, Zahid was in Turkey on official duties when he shared his thoughts. Umno expressed gratitude that Najib's conditions for house arrest were met, as the RM50 million fine for the SRC International case had been paid. This decision was made during the Pardons Board's 64th meeting on September 18, when His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim granted Najib a conditional pardon. The decision reduced Najib's six-year sentence to a house arrest sentence, and his initial fine of RM210 million was lowered to RM50 million. Najib has been incarcerated at Kajang Prison since the Federal Court upheld his conviction in the SRC International corruption case on August 23, 2022.",
  "summary": "ISTANBUL: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s power to grant pardons must be respected, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi amid reports that Datuk Seri Najib Razak could begin serving his sentence under house arrest today.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}