According to the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, an official declaration on the subject of pardoning former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is anticipated to be made public this week.
"After that, we'll await the Amnesty Board's announcement... "Hopefully this week, God willing," she stated.
Dr. Zaliha, who is also a member of the Pardon Board, made this statement to the media in response to Najib's position on the matter following today's Federal Territories Day and Putrajaya Open Day 2024 ceremonies.
The topic of Najib's pardon was allegedly also discussed in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. However, Fadzil urged foreign and local media outlets to hold off on reporting on the matter until after the Pardon Board releases a formal statement, according to Malaysia Kini.
According to a report by the foreign media outlet Channel News Asia (CNA), Najib's term was lowered from 12 to six years.
However, for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Board of Pardons' formal announcement about Najib Razak's fate—whether he receives a royal pardon or not—remains unfavorable, according to Malaysia Kini.
Prof. Azmi Hassan, a political expert, predicted that Anwar would receive accolades from Umno supporters if the former prime minister, who was imprisoned for corruption, was freed.
Thus, Azmi stated that Najib's pardon will undoubtedly satisfy grassroots members of Umno, particularly if he pursues a political career.
"If he continues to be active in the political arena, of course, it will strengthen the party, and they will gain more trust from Malay and Muslim voters," he stated.
However, Azmi emphasized that the release of Najib may also cause PH voters to blame Anwar and possibly lose confidence in Umno's ability to work with them.
Professor James Chin, the director of Asian studies at the University of Tasmania, holds a similar opinion, arguing that the royal pardon will undermine the government's credibility with those in the city who oppose Najib's release.
Chin stated that the pardon of Najib would also have an impact on the Malaysian government's standing.
He claimed that pardoning Najib would give the impression that the government is not sincere in its efforts to combat corruption, just as the nation's reputation is still being restored from how it handled the 1MDB scandal.
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