Anwar Says Najib Has Right to Seek Pardon, But Wider Impact Must Be Considered

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has the right to seek a pardon, stressing that every prisoner is entitled to submit an appeal for consideration.

Anwar rejected claims that he had paved the way for Najib’s conditional pardon, saying the authority to grant a pardon rests with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Pardons Board. 

Anwar Says Najib’s Pardon Must Also Consider Public Confidence

Anwar said he had continued reminding the Pardons Board that Najib’s ongoing court cases, the size of the financial penalty and the potential impact on public confidence in the justice system should be taken into account.

He also said international perceptions of Malaysia should not be overlooked when considering the matter.

The Federal Territories Pardons Board granted Najib a conditional pardon on Sept 18, allowing him to serve the remainder of his SRC International sentence under house arrest until Aug 23, 2028, subject to conditions including a RM50 million fine.

Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar has clarified that the conditional pardon applies only to the prison sentence in the SRC International case.