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The federal Cabinet today discussed the application for a royal pardon by former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence for the misappropriation of RM42 million from SRC International Sdn Bhd. However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that the Cabinet does not have the authority to decide on Najib's pardon application.
Saifuddin Nasution explained that the decision on Najib's pardon rests solely with the Pardons Board. He emphasized that according to the Federal Constitution, the board is responsible for determining the fate of Najib's appeal and its members are appointed based on clear guidelines.
The matter was briefly discussed during the Cabinet meeting, but it was made clear that the Cabinet does not have jurisdiction in this regard. Saifuddin Nasution made these remarks during a press conference at his ministry in Putrajaya.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa, who attended the Pardons Board meeting, indicated that the board is expected to issue a statement regarding Najib’s application.
Earlier reports had suggested that the Pardons Board, chaired by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Riáyatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah, was scheduled to meet to discuss Najib's pardon request. However, Al-Sultan Abdullah Riáyatuddin Mustafa Billah Shah's reign as the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong has ended, and Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has been inaugurated as the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
Najib has been in prison since August 23, 2022, following the Federal Court's decision to uphold his conviction for criminal breach of trust, abuse of power, and money laundering related to the RM42 million from SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). His application for a royal pardon was submitted on September 2, 2022, shortly after he began serving his sentence at Kajang Prison.
As the alleged offences took place in the Federal Territories, the Pardons Board responsible for reviewing Najib's application is the one for the Federal Territories. According to the Federal Constitution, this board is chaired by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and includes the attorney-general, the Federal Territories minister, and up to three other appointed members.
In conclusion, while the federal Cabinet has discussed Najib's pardon application, the final decision rests with the Pardons Board, which is expected to make a statement on the matter in due course.
As Najib's appeal for a pardon is being considered by the Pardons Board, the spotlight remains on the legal proceedings surrounding his case. The Federal Constitution outlines the specific composition and authority of the Pardons Board, emphasizing the importance of its independent decision-making process.
Najib's application for a pardon comes after his conviction and subsequent imprisonment, which have garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally. The legal and political implications of his case continue to be closely monitored, with many awaiting the outcome of the Pardons Board's deliberations.
Meanwhile, the transition in the position of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With the appointment of a new monarch, the dynamics within the Pardons Board may undergo changes that could potentially impact Najib's case.
As the Pardons Board prepares to issue a statement on Najib's application, the public remains eager for updates on this high-profile matter. The decision will not only have implications for Najib personally but may also influence broader perceptions of justice and governance in Malaysia.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the Pardons Board as it navigates this crucial decision-making process, which has implications that extend beyond the individual case of Najib Razak.
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