{
  "id": 8270136,
  "title": "Najib pardon may set precedent for future cases, says Khairy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/najib-pardon-may-set-precedent-for-future-cases-says-khairy",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T15:30:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1535800/najib-pardon-may-set-precedent-future-cases-says-khairy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Prime Minister Najib Razak's conditional pardon could set a precedent for future pardon cases, according to Khairy Jamaluddin, the former Umno Youth chief. Speaking on the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Khairy emphasized that the decision should be viewed through the lens of the King's constitutional powers rather than a political lens. He stated that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has consistently maintained that the pardon power is a constitutional prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Khairy clarified that Najib had already served nearly four years of his sentence since beginning it in August 2022, and the house arrest order does not exempt him from serving his sentence. The Federal Territories Pardons Board recently allowed Najib to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest until August 23, 2028, subject to a RM50 million fine. This decision may influence the constitutional convention surrounding the exercise of the royal pardon power, as there have been differing interpretations on whether the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is bound by the government's advice or can exercise the power independently. Shahril Sufian Hamdan, co-host of the podcast, noted that this marks history being made and could establish a precedent or convention for future pardon cases. The broader implications could extend beyond Najib's case to the understanding of the constitutional role of the King. The impact would depend on how the decision is interpreted by political institutions, legal experts, and the public.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The conditional pardon granted to former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak could have implications beyond his case by shaping future interpretations of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s powers to grant pardons.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "BN welcomes Najib's conditional pardon with deep gratitude – Zambry [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/bn-welcomes-najibs-conditional-pardon-with-deep-gratitude-zambry-watch",
        "published": "2026-09-18T14:24:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "DAP will be affected by Najib pardon decision, says KJ",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/dap-will-be-affected-by-najib-pardon-decision-says-kj",
        "published": "2026-09-18T15:59:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}