{
  "id": 8209682,
  "title": "MCA: Judicial, pardon processes separate under Constitution",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/mca-judicial-pardon-processes-separate-under-constitution",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T08:48:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1535539/mca-judicial-pardon-processes-separate-under-constitution"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) has clarified that the judicial and pardon processes are two distinct procedures under the Federal Constitution. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong commended His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, for granting a conditional pardon to former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. The MCA president emphasized that respecting the Pardons Board's decision does not mean disagreeing with the court's ruling, and vice versa. Both processes are integral to Malaysia's legal and constitutional framework and must be treated with respect.\n\nWee Ka Siong highlighted that the MCA remains committed to the principles of constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, as outlined in the Rukun Negara, as well as the institution of the constitutional monarchy, which is a cornerstone of the nation. He reiterated that the MCA adheres to the principles of respecting institutions, upholding the law, and defending integrity. Earlier, the Federal Territories Pardons Board announced that Najib Razak had received a conditional pardon, allowing him to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, provided he pays a fine of RM50 million imposed in the SRC International case. The board stated that Sultan Ibrahim had approved the conditional pardon, and Najib must adhere to all conditions outlined in the pardon, or risk having it revoked. Currently serving a reduced six-year prison term at Kajang Prison after his sentence was lowered from 12 years to six in February 2024, Najib was initially jailed for 12 years and fined RM210 million for his involvement in the SRC International case, which involved charges of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering exceeding RM42 million.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: MCA believes that the judicial and pardon processes should be understood as two separate processes within the framework of the Federal Constitution.",
  "key_points": [
    "Judicial and pardon processes are distinct under Federal Constitution.",
    "MCA president Dr Wee Ka Siong commended Sultan Ibrahim's pardon.",
    "Conditional pardon allows Najib Razak to serve sentence under house arrest."
  ],
  "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."
}