{
  "id": 6544184,
  "title": "Umno president Zahid says being optimistic about Najib’s pardon chances tomorrow",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/umno-president-zahid-says-being-optimistic-about-najibs-pardon",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T05:30:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/10/umno-president-zahid-says-being-optimistic-about-najibs-pardon-chances-tomorrow/234689"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed optimism regarding former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's upcoming clemency bid, which is set to be reviewed by the Pardons Board tomorrow. Emphasizing that the authority to grant pardons lies with the Yang diPertuan Agong, Zahid stated that he trusts His Majesty's wisdom to make the final decision. Speaking to reporters at the Umno general assembly, Zahid emphasized that the ultimate power rests with the monarch. The Federal Territories Pardons Board is anticipated to deliberate on Najib's latest application for clemency tomorrow, although the specific outcome remains uncertain. While reports suggest that Najib's application may be among the issues discussed, there is ambiguity about whether a decision will be made or if the meeting will only involve a discussion. Potential relief for Najib could include serving the remainder of his sentence under house arrest, though the feasibility of this option remains unclear. The convicted former premier, aged 72, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a RM210 million fine for misappropriating RM42 million from SRC International. His imprisonment commenced on August 23, 2022. In 2024, the Pardons Board had already reduced his sentence to six years and the fine to RM50 million. However, Najib and his legal team challenged this partial pardon, arguing that it required him to complete the remaining time under house arrest, a claim that was ultimately dismissed by a High Court judge in December of the previous year. Najib subsequently abandoned his appeal against the decision in April.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 — Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today said he was hoping for the best when th...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "No double standards in respecting pardon process, says Johor Umno",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/no-double-standards-in-respecting-pardon-process-says-johor-umno",
        "published": "2026-09-10T03:02:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Dismissing royal pardon powers undermines Federal Constitution, says Puteri Umno chief",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/dismissing-royal-pardon-powers-undermines-federal-constitution-says",
        "published": "2026-09-10T04:12:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}