Najib Razak’s bid to serve the remainder of his sentence under house arrest may be considered by the Pardons Board on Sept 11, according to a report.
PETALING JAYA: The possibility of allowing former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to serve the remainder of his prison sentence under house arrest could be considered by the Federal Territories Pardons Board as early as Thursday, according to a report.
The Straits Times, citing government sources, reported that the board is scheduled to meet on Sept 11, with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar expected to chair the meeting.
A government official was quoted as saying the issue of house arrest had been included in the meeting agenda.
Najib, 73, is currently serving a six-year prison sentence for his conviction in the SRC International case. His original 12-year sentence was reduced by half by the Pardons Board in 2024, while his fine was lowered from RM210 million to RM50 million.
Najib has consistently maintained that the previous Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, had issued an additional order allowing him to complete his sentence under house arrest.
The existence and legal status of the alleged addendum have since become the subject of a court battle.
The High Court ruled last year that the purported order could not be implemented, holding that it had not been considered by the Pardons Board in accordance with the constitutional process.
Malaysian law also does not expressly provide for house arrest as an alternative form of imprisonment.
A new decision by the Pardons Board could therefore potentially establish a separate constitutional basis for any further clemency granted to Najib.
The development comes as Umno holds its annual general assembly and prepares for the next general election, which must be held by 2027.
Barisan Nasional has recorded gains in recent state-level contests, retaining control of Johor in July before securing a two-thirds majority in Negeri Sembilan in August.
Pakatan Harapan, meanwhile, has faced a more challenging electoral period.
The possibility of Najib being released was also reportedly discussed at a PH leadership meeting on Monday, which had initially been convened to discuss preparations for the Melaka state election.
According to The Straits Times, Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh briefed the meeting on the issue.
PH subsequently reaffirmed its position that individuals convicted of corruption and abuse of power should serve the sentences imposed by the courts.
The coalition also reiterated its commitment to institutional reform and good governance, saying it would maintain a firm stance against corruption, including in high-profile cases.
Sources familiar with the meeting were quoted as saying Yeoh and the Attorney General would oppose any further clemency for Najib.
The final decision, however, rests with the King within the constitutional framework governing the Pardons Board.
The Federal Territories Pardons Board has jurisdiction over Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. In addition to the King, its membership comprises the Attorney General, the Federal Territories Minister and three other members appointed by the King on the government’s advice.
Najib’s case has remained politically contentious since his conviction.
The SRC International case was part of the wider 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal, which became a major issue in the 2018 general election and contributed to the end of Barisan Nasional’s six-decade rule at federal level.
Najib is also facing other charges linked to 1MDB and is appealing against a separate conviction last year involving 25 charges of abuse of power and money laundering. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison in that case.
Despite his imprisonment, Najib continues to retain support among sections of Umno and the wider Malay electorate.
His influence within Umno remains significant as the party reassesses its political strategy ahead of GE16.
The party has already taken steps to end its four-year electoral cooperation with PH and is expected to strengthen ties with PAS-led Perikatan Nasional.
Any decision concerning Najib’s possible house arrest could therefore have wider political implications as both the unity government and opposition coalitions prepare for the next general election.
